Brisbane Broncos are still floating on cloud nine after managing to lure Ben Hunt back home to Red Hill.
The halfback was chased by a number of rivals following his release from St George Illawarra, yet it was Michael Maguire and co who were eventually able to persuade the veteran that his future belonged at the club.
"Everyone got involved, so it’s nice to be part of an organisation where we’re all on the same page," the head coach told SENQ Breakfast the morning after Hunt’s arrival was announced.
"Benny would have felt that - I’d like to think he felt that.
"Everybody worked hard to bring him back home, so it’s exciting times. But we all know that we’ve got plenty of work to do."
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Will the Broncos be able to re-sign Kotoni Staggs and Selwyn Cobbo?
The Broncos have to reverse their fortunes out on the field after slumping to a 12th place finish last season, which brought about the sweeping changes at the club.
However, they also have plenty of work to do behind the scenes following Hunt’s capture with the futures of Kotoni Staggs and Selwyn Cobbo still uncertain.
The backline stars have entered into the final year of their respective deals and as a result have hit the open market.
Hunt’s arrival is a fairytale homecoming but will also apply yet more salary cap pressure on the Broncos while they desperately attempt to keep hold of the Origin representatives.
"I’m working extremely hard on those two to try and make them stay put," Maguire stated.
"It’s about the opportunities we have now. I’ve really enjoyed coaching all the players, but especially those two.
"They are going to play a massive part in who we are next year."
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Maguire noted how his attacking game plans would be built around how best to utilise the destructive pair's pace and power out on the edges.
Yet he admitted that while this was an exciting prospect to look forward to in 2025, the main aim was to secure the duo long-term.
"We’ve got a fair bit to do to make sure we retain everyone," Maguire said.
"But I’m very keen to make sure we can achieve that."
Reece Walsh signed a lucrative contract earlier in the off-season to join Ezra Mam, Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan in pledging their futures to the Broncos.
Yet that wasn’t the only extension handed out with Xavier Willison signing on until the end of the 2027 campaign.
The emerging forward is joined by Deine Mariner, Jordan Riki, Brendan Piakura and Ben Te Kura in being tied down for an extended period.
