LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Brisbane Broncos have pulled a masterstroke in their pursuit of veteran halfback Ben Hunt, making a bold move to entice him back to his roots.
It's a real game-changer as they look to secure his services without breaking the bank.
Hunt, now the hottest free agent on the NRL's market, found himself free from the Dragons and attracting interest from multiple clubs.
The Broncos, along with the Dolphins, Bulldogs, and Roosters, are in a tight race to land the experienced playmaker, with speculation swirling around the latter two teams losing interest.
While Hunt initially favored staying in Sydney for family reasons, the Bulldogs and Roosters have hesitations about his age and price tag as he approaches his mid-thirties.
The NRL is also unlikely to allow a significant pay cut for Hunt, with figures in the $700,000 - $800,000 range being floated.
But in a surprising twist, the Dolphins have swooped in with a whopping $1.4 million offer, potentially tipping the scales in their favor.
However, the Broncos have played their hand with an innovative job offer post-football that could sweeten the deal for Hunt.
It's a high-stakes game of negotiations in the rugby league world, with teams vying for a prized player like it's the final minutes of a grand final.
As the dust settles, only time will tell where Hunt's next chapter in the NRL will unfold.