While Brisbane weigh outside options for their next X-factor player, Darren Lockyer believes the NRL club have one in their midst in new halfback Ben Hunt.
The likes of Bulldogs superstar Ben Barba and Canberra livewire Anthony Milford – both currently unsettled – are in Brisbane’s sights ahead of next season as they look to reinvigorate the struggling team.
However, club great Lockyer reckons he has already seen enough to convince him that Hunt is the answer to their problems, even if it is at his former halves partner Peter Wallace’s expense.
“I think the signs that he (Hunt) showed against the Knights (in last round’s 18-all draw) showed he can become another X-factor for the team,” Lockyer said.
Former NSW Origin halfback Wallace has been relegated to Brisbane back-up hooker role after Hunt was thrown the No.7 jersey in a desperate bid to keep the Broncos’ faint finals hopes alive.
Wallace is frustrated by his treatment at the Broncos and is keen to go “anywhere” in the NRL despite being contracted to Brisbane until the end of 2014.
But Lockyer said: “You are measured by your results and where the Broncos are on the ladder is unacceptable – the decision had to be made.
“It is unfortunate for the guys on the receiving end of that because someone like Wal (Wallace) has given the club so much and worked so hard.
“But that is the nature of the beast.”
Since being thrust into the halfback role, Hunt has responded with an inspired hand in an 18-16 win over North Queensland and glimpses of brilliance in the last round draw in Newcastle.
Brisbane – who are two wins outside the top eight – must keep winning to be a top eight chance, starting with Sunday’s Suncorp Stadium showdown with St George Illawarra.
Asked if Hunt’s switch to No.7 came too late, Lockyer said: “He’s there now, we can’t change the past but we can look forward to the future.
“He showed some real positive signs against the Knights. It would have been a good learning experience that last 10 minutes.
“I think if he was in the same situation he would take more control and close the game out.”
Brisbane are expected to know more in November on whether Barba will seek a Bulldogs release, a move the Dally M Medallist could pursue if his ex-partner and their two young children return to Queensland.
Milford’s recruitment appears more certain after his manager requested a release from the final year of his Canberra contract, even though the Raiders admit they’re desperate to keep him.
Asked if Brisbane needed an X-factor, Lockyer said: “I think Ben Hunt will provide some of that, and obviously (centre) Justin Hodges does.
“Any quality player out there in the competition that is available the Broncos have said they are willing to have a chat.
“But it is up to them what they do.”
