LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Broncos legend Darren Lockyer warned his former club about rushing Ezra Mam back into the No.6 jersey, which Ben Hunt has been occupying, when Mam makes his return from suspension next month.
Mam was suspended for nine games following a drug-driving incident in the off-season.
Lockyer cautioned against bringing Mam back into a starting role too quickly, especially considering his lengthy absence from the NRL.
Hunt's performance as a hooker in the loss to the Warriors hinted at his potential future role, according to Lockyer.
Hunt struggled in the challenging conditions in Auckland, making more errors than runs.
Coach Michael Maguire shifted him to hooker during the game to try to inject some spark into the Broncos' attack.
Lockyer believed this move indicated that Maguire intends to continue playing Hunt as a hooker and potentially give Mam the No.6 jersey upon his return.
Lockyer acknowledged the pressure on Maguire to make changes due to the Broncos' recent dip in form.
Despite the calls for Mam to be brought back into the side as a starting five-eighth, Lockyer emphasized the potential risks associated with rushing Mam back into a starting role after such a long absence.
The Broncos legend suggested that Maguire may have a different plan for Hunt's role going forward, potentially seeing him continue as a hooker.
Lockyer's warning highlights the delicate balance that Maguire must strike in managing the return of Mam and the ongoing performance of Hunt within the team.
As the Broncos seek to bounce back from consecutive losses, the decisions around the halves pairing will be crucial in determining the team's success moving forward.