Broncos boost: Maguire confirms early injury return, star to play against Manly

When Round 10 teams were released on Tuesday afternoon it was a surprise to see Ben Hunt’s name on the extended reserves bench.

Read more Cambodia Lowers 2026 Growth Prospects Amid Crackdown on Scams

Having been out since Round 5 with a Grade 3 MCL tear — and not expected to return until at least Round 12—Hunt himself joked he was only named because Brisbane didn’t have 22 fit players.

Well, now we know there was more to it.

There had already been a few whispers the 36-year-old may actually be set to play against Manly on Saturday night and Michael Maguire confirmed the news at his pre-game media appearance on Friday.

MORE: ‘Easy target’ — Does Ciraldo need to be worried about his job?

“Yep, he’s coming in,” Maguire said of Hunt, scoffing at suggestions Hunt may be rushing back into the Broncos lineup too soon.

“Well he’s ticked all the boxes, the physios and doctors, everyone is happy with him, he’s trained really well—when’s the right time?

Read more SJM Posts $7.9M 1Q26 Loss as Macau Revenue Adjusts After Satellite Exit

“To have a player like Benny coming back in is perfect timing for us obviously with Reyno going through his situation.”

It’s understood Hunt will play at halfback on Saturday night with Tom Duffy shifting back to the bench while Josh Rogers is likely to drop out of the Broncos 19.

According to NRL Physio, Hunt’s five-week return will match the fastest return seen in the NRL era for a Grade 3 MCL injury—a ‘record’ set by Sam Burgess back in 2012.

Hunt and the Broncos face Manly at 4 Pines Park on Saturday night in NRL Round 10. Kick-off at 7:35 p.m. 

Read more Is Luke Littler playing at the 2026 Austrian Darts Open?