“You could probably look at it in the long term and it could benefit both players. Coby’s a big talent; he’s obviously been in all the international sides coming through his juniors and he’s a good young kid.
“Rugby league isn’t always fair, you don’t always get what you want and I’m sure he’ll go in there and do a great job – I fully believe that.”
Brisbane would like to allow Black to enter first grade, given the added pressure that comes with playing for the club.
Tom Dearden was perhaps the most famous example who admitted to struggling with this control but has become one of rugby league’s leading halves since moving to North Queensland.
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However, Broncos enforcer Ben Talty was adamant, Pezet had the strength to ensure the side remained successful after the retirements of Hunt and Reynolds.
Talty and Pezet grew up in Newcastle and the pair crossed paths again last pre-season at the Storm. That time was enough to convince Talty that the rising star was ready to handle the expectations.
“He’s a great kid Jonah and he’s going to do really well this year and then when he comes to this club it’s going to be amazing,” Talty told this masthead.
“Now is his time. When I trained with him, he is very slick with the ball, very direct – he has all the qualities you want in a good half-back.”
“Everything he does is very professional, so he’s ready to make this move.”
Whether Pezet will take over half duties remains up in the air until Hunt and Reynolds make definitive calls about their futures.
Neither appear likely to be retired at the end of their 2026 contracts, with Maguire suggesting “it’s not on me, it’s going to be on their bodies I think”.
Ben Hunt earned the first premiership of his career with the Broncos in 2025.Credit: AAPIMAGE
Hunt is set to step up in 2026, starting with the World Club Challenge against Hull KR on February 20 – a clash that will not include leading forward Brendan Piakura, who has been sidelined for eight weeks after tearing his meniscus in training.
The veteran wore the No.9 jersey for State of Origin Queensland and insisted he would not turn down a call from Maroons coach Billy Slater in a bid to extend his NRL career.
“I’m always going to raise my hand if I don’t believe I’m not up to the standard, and I think if I’m not up to the standard, Billy’s definitely not calling me,” Hunt said.
“As long as I’m playing well and Bill believes in me, I’ll always play. If I still feel like I’m playing well and my body is fine, then I’ll want to keep playing.”
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