LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Corey Parker has suggested that Ben Hunt may not be included in this year's State of Origin series, as Queensland coach Billy Slater looks to the younger players.
Hunt, who has been a consistent presence in the Queensland team since his debut in 2017, has mainly taken on a bench role, sharing time with legends like Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, and Daly Cherry-Evans in the No.
7 jersey.
Despite his experience and contributions, particularly in tandem with Harry Grant at the No.
9 position, Parker believes Hunt's age-he's now 35-could factor into Slater's decisions.
Parker noted Hunt's mixed form with the Brisbane Broncos this season, specifically mentioning the need for better chemistry with Reece Walsh.
He emphasized a shift towards youth, suggesting that if Slater decides to keep Cherry-Evans for another series, it might require a younger option for the bench.
"For the last 10 years, Ben Hunt has been the number 14 and he's found that role and done his job," Parker explained.
"Unfortunately for Ben, I can't go past what I see from Tom Dearden.
So for me, Tom Dearden goes into that 14 role." Dearden has emerged as a promising contender for the role, potentially partnering with Cameron Munster in the future.