LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Broncos coach Michael Maguire's selection decisions have left fans and NRL great Darren Lockyer puzzled after Ben Hunt's mixed performance against the Warriors.
Hunt, playing in the five-eighth position, made a critical error with a wayward pass that led to a try for the Warriors.
Maguire acknowledged that he is still trying to figure out the best combinations for his team's spine, leading to Hunt being moved to dummy-half for the remainder of the game.
Despite Hunt's success at the State of Origin level playing as a hooker, Maguire opted to keep him in the halves after Reece Walsh's injury.
Fans were surprised by Maguire's decision not to utilize Hunt's skills at No.9, especially considering his difficulties in the five-eighth position.
Lockyer expressed his confusion over Maguire's choices, questioning the coach's strategy in the face of disappointing performances.
Maguire defended his decisions, emphasizing the need to make changes to spark his team's performance on the field.
He explained, "I'm still learning about the players...we went through some pressure there and things weren't going the way.
I just thought a bit of a change there when Hunty jumped into dummy-half and Billy played at six just added something to us, and you've got to find those things."
Maguire's decision to shift Hunt's position to accommodate other players sparked debate among fans and experts alike.
While Hunt's versatility and experience could potentially be an asset in a different role, Maguire's experimentation with the spine of the team has raised questions about the team's ability to find success on the field.
With Hunt's performance under scrutiny and a need for improvement, Maguire's handling of the team's lineup will continue to be closely watched in upcoming games.