The saga surrounding Ben Hunt’s potential return to the Brisbane Broncos appears to have reached an anticlimactic end, as CEO Dave Donaghy admitted that their efforts to bring the Dragons star back to Red Hill have been stymied by NRL salary cap regulations.
In an exclusive statement, Donaghy shared that while the club had been in advanced discussions to welcome Hunt back, they faced insurmountable challenges, including the requirement to pay the full salary for the veteran halfback—a stipulation that proved impossible under the Broncos’ current cap limitations.
“We were in talks with Ben, and everyone was excited at the prospect of having him back here,” Donaghy stated. “We did everything in our power to make it work, but in the end, the cap restrictions, and the requirement to pay his salary in full, just made it unfeasible without compromising our existing roster. We made an appeal to the NRL, but it didn’t go through.”

The NRL’s cap rules have long been a point of contention for clubs hoping to make high-profile signings, especially mid-season. In Hunt’s case, the stipulation requiring the Broncos to absorb his full salary proved to be a major stumbling block. This requirement, designed to maintain balance and prevent clubs from circumventing the cap, left the Broncos with no wiggle room to structure a financially viable contract without offloading a current player.
“It’s not just about paying Ben his worth,” Donaghy explained. “It’s about managing the long-term strategy of the club. We can’t afford to lose any of our current players right now; our roster is balanced, and we’re in a good state moving forward.”
This financial roadblock left the Broncos in a bind. Despite their desire to re-sign a former club hero, they ultimately concluded that it wasn’t worth destabilizing their current squad to accommodate Hunt’s salary. The appeal to the NRL for flexibility in the cap was rejected, putting the final nail in the coffin for Hunt’s possible return to Brisbane.
With the Broncos stepping away from the negotiation table, rumors have started to swirl that the Sydney Roosters have expressed serious interest in acquiring Hunt. Known for their strong financial standing and cap space availability, the Roosters have reportedly emerged as front-runners for Hunt’s signature.
Sources indicate that the club has the cap flexibility to meet his salary demands without reshuffling their existing roster, making them an attractive option for the Dragons captain.

The Roosters’ potential interest aligns with recent comments from Hunt, who hinted that he would prefer to sign with a Sydney-based club following his departure from the Dragons. “I’m just looking for a place where I’ll be valued and where we can make a real impact on the field,” Hunt reportedly shared with friends, signaling his desire to continue playing at a high level in a club that can accommodate his skillset and leadership qualities.
Though disappointed with the outcome, Donaghy emphasized that the Broncos are committed to focusing on their current roster, which has been performing consistently. He expressed his gratitude for the fans’ enthusiasm around the potential signing but reassured them that the team’s current trajectory is positive.
“I understand the excitement around Ben possibly returning,” Donaghy said. “He’s a great player, and his time with the Broncos left an indelible mark. But right now, we have a solid team that’s building something special. We’re moving forward with a long-term vision, and disrupting that to make one player fit wouldn’t be the right call. We have confidence in the squad and the direction we’re heading.”
The Broncos CEO concluded by reiterating the club’s dedication to exploring any future opportunities that align with their salary cap and overall strategy, leaving the door open for potential acquisitions down the line. However, he confirmed that they would no longer be pursuing Hunt, at least in the immediate future.
As news of the deal’s collapse spread, fans took to social media to share their reactions. While some expressed frustration over the NRL’s rigid cap rules, others voiced understanding, acknowledging that the Broncos’ current lineup is in good form and doesn’t necessarily need a major shake-up. “Gutted that we couldn’t get Hunt back, but I trust the management. The cap rules are there for a reason,” commented one fan on Twitter.
Another fan remarked, “Maybe it’s for the best. We have a strong roster as it is, and bringing someone in just to fit under the cap might hurt us in the long run.”
Meanwhile, excitement is building in Sydney as reports continue to link Hunt with the Roosters, a club known for its strategic acquisitions and competitive depth. The club’s manager remained tight-lipped about any formal discussions but did acknowledge Hunt’s talent. “Ben Hunt is a world-class player, and we always look to improve the squad with quality additions,” he said, declining to elaborate on the specifics of any ongoing negotiations.

The Roosters’ interest, however, is unsurprising given their cap space and longstanding admiration for Hunt’s capabilities. With a successful track record of integrating experienced players, the Roosters may be positioned to offer Hunt not only the financial package he’s looking for but also a team culture that matches his ambition and experience.
For Hunt, the next few weeks are likely to be filled with critical decisions as he evaluates his future. Having recently led Australia to victory in the Pacific Cup, he remains a highly sought-after player with a wealth of experience and skill. The Roosters, who are seemingly leading the chase, could be the ideal landing spot for him, allowing Hunt to stay close to home in Sydney while contributing to a club with a history of competitive success.
The collapse of the Broncos deal has opened a new chapter in the Ben Hunt saga, one that fans across the league are watching with bated breath. As one NRL commentator observed, “Ben Hunt’s decision could change the balance of power in the league. Wherever he lands, he’ll make a substantial impact.”
In the meantime, Hunt continues to weigh his options, ensuring that his next move aligns with both his professional goals and personal values. “At this stage of my career, it’s not just about the money—it’s about where I can make a difference,” he reportedly told friends. For now, all eyes are on the Roosters as they push to finalize what could be one of the most significant signings of the season.