Cooper Cronk, a revered figure in the rugby league community, has voiced a strong opinion on the current halves pairing of Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt at the Brisbane Broncos. According to Cronk, the dynamic duo should remain intact even when Ezra Mam returns from suspension mid-season. This commentary follows the Broncos’ impressive 50-14 victory, where Reynolds and Hunt showcased a formidable partnership.
In the match, Reynolds delivered a stellar performance with a linebreak assist and three try assists. Meanwhile, Hunt contributed significantly with 34 run metres, a linebreak, a linebreak assist, and a try. Originally recruited to play hooker and provide cover for the halves, Hunt’s performance has sparked a debate about his role in the team moving forward.
Cronk’s Endorsement of the Reynolds-Hunt Pairing
Cronk, speaking on the “Matty and Cronk” show, emphasized the importance of maintaining the current halves pairing. He stated,
“That combination of Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt is going to be a very, very good thing. When Ezra Mam comes back, I wouldn’t move Ben Hunt. I don’t care what Ezra Mam does from here on out. Ben Hunt is my five-eighth for the rest of the year.”
Cronk’s reasoning is twofold: firstly, the cultural impact of Ezra Mam’s previous issues, and secondly, the tactical advantage of having two experienced decision-makers on the field. He praised the Broncos’ talent, including Kotoni Staggs, Selwyn Cobbo, and Reece Walsh, and highlighted Reynolds’ leadership in 2023, despite some costly decisions in the grand final.
Challenges and Opportunities
There were initial concerns that having two prominent halfbacks could lead to confusion within the team. However, Cronk commended Hunt’s ability to complement Reynolds, particularly in their recent match against the Roosters. Hunt’s adaptability and willingness to play a supportive role have been crucial to the team’s success.
Matty Johns, another respected voice in the NRL, echoed Cronk’s sentiments, noting the rarity of having two seasoned playmakers on one team. He remarked,
“That’s the thing, if you have one experienced playmaker in your side it is a godsend. You saw the difference to the Broncos when Adam Reynolds went there.”
The Role of Ezra Mam
As Ezra Mam prepares to return from a 10-game suspension, questions arise about his role in the team. Johns suggested that Mam could offer flexibility, potentially playing as a utility off the bench. This would allow the Broncos to manage the workload of their veteran playmakers, ensuring they remain fresh for the finals.
Johns added,
“Ezra is going to give Madge flexibility. He can play him at No.14. The other thing he can do as well is one thing about Adam and Ben is they are not spring chickens.”
Strategic Implications for the Broncos
The decision facing coach Michael Maguire is pivotal for the Broncos’ title aspirations. Cronk believes that timing the peak performance of their experienced halves is crucial, stating,
“And they can time their run for the two 34-year-old’s to play their best footy at the back end of the year.”
The Broncos’ ability to execute short side plays effectively has been a testament to their strategic planning and off-season preparation. Johns noted the significance of this capability, suggesting it indicates a well-prepared team ready to challenge for the title.
Looking Ahead
Ben Hunt’s transition from a primary playmaker at the Dragons to a complementary role at the Broncos has been seamless. Cronk highlighted the potential benefits for players like Reece Walsh and the Brisbane outside backs, as Hunt’s broader vision as a five-eighth could unlock new attacking opportunities.
As the season progresses, the Broncos will need to balance the experience of their senior players with the youthful energy of their emerging stars. The strategic decisions made by Maguire and his coaching staff will be critical in determining the team’s success in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership.
