Michael Maguire goes public with Ben Hunt demands as deal spells ...

Michael Maguire has revealed he has already spoken to Ben Hunt about the possibility of him playing No.9 for the Broncos in 2025 after the Queensland star's signature places Selwyn Cobbo's future in doubt. Hunt and the Broncos finally confirmed the Maroons representative would return home to Brisbane in 2025 with the halfback signing a two-year deal on a reported $600,000 deal.

The signing is a massive win for the Broncos with Hunt able to play in the halves and at No.9. With Ezra Mam's availability in doubt, Hunt will most likely slot into the halves next to Adam Reynolds to start the season.

Michael Maguire has revealed he has already spoken to Ben Hunt (pictured left with wife) about joining the club and not coasting to the end of his career as his deal places Selwyn Cobbo's (pictured far right) future in doubt. (Getty Images)

The 34-year-old has also reportedly been offered a job to work with the club in Brisbane as part of his deal. Many could feel Hunt has one-eye on retirement as he moves his family home to Brisbane where they will be closer to family. While initial reports suggested Hunt was not keen on moving his young family from Sydney, these appear to have been put to bed with his deal, to work with the club after his footy career is over, too good to miss.

And Maguire has also moved to dismiss concerns the halfback is coasting to the finish line. Maguire claimed he spoke to Hunt about his return to Brisbane and made him aware he would have to buy into his hard work ethic upon arrival.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 13: Ben Hunt arrives for a Queensland Maroons state of origin squad training session at Sanctuary Cove on July 13, 2024 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

"I was very pleased with the organisation. Being able to present to a player and show them where we are going. It's nice to see an organisation all on the same place...exciting times. We also know we have plenty of work to do. That's one thing my talk to Benny was about," Maguire said to SEN Radio.

"He understands what is ahead of us. The work we need to put in. The boys are hard at it, at the moment, and we have to create a culture that is going to galvanise every day. He will be a big part of that progression."

And buying into the team environment could see Hunt play at No.9. Hunt has played teh vast majoity of his NRL club career as a halfback, but featured for Queensland and Australia as a dummy-half. And while he would most likely prefer to play in the halves in club footy, Maguire said Hunt will need to be flexible.

"I have spoken to Hunt about playing at 9 and the halves. When we get in, sit down and look at the best dynamics of the team, that is probably the logical piece with what we are going through with Ezra Mam," Maguire added.

Maguire admitted Hunt has avoided injury for some time and is keen to use the leadership of the former Dragons captain in the squad. "Everyone tells me how much of a great leader he is, but he didn't play. That says a fair bit about his character. That's the parts I have enjoyed talking with Ben Hunt about, but his football does the talking. He is a world class player," Maguire added.

Michael Maguire (pictured) has told Ben Hunt he will have to buy into his motto of hard work when he joins the Broncos.

While Broncos fans are rejoicing over Hunt's signing, which will see him move his family back to Queensland, Maguire has admitted the club are facing a dilemma to retain both Cobbo and Kotonii Staggs. Both Staggs and Cobbo are coming off contract for the Broncos and Reece Walsh's recent mega deal with the club has put extra strain on the salary cap.

Hunt's reported two-year deal will also take a toll. And this could see the Broncos offer a smaller deal than expected to either player. And Maguire has admitted the club's priority has now turned to retaining both Staggs and Cobbo after 2025.

"That's all part of it. They are two players to make sure they stay put. I have really enjoyed coaching all the players. And those two as well. And they are going to be a massive part of what we are going to be this year. Especially Kotonni Staggs."

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"We've got a fair bit to do, to make sure we can retain everyone. But I am sure we can achieve that." Maguire was particularly impressed with Staggs' leadership at training, which will hold him in a good position to re-negotiate a contract.

Walsh joined Payne Haas, who is on $1.1m-a-season for the next two years, in the million-dollar club, while Pat Carrigan ($800k) and Ezra Mam ($750k) also command significant salary cap space and both are signed until 2028. Staggs and Cobbo are currently on around $650,000 each and their new deals would be expected to be closer to the $1 million mark. And three rival NRL clubs are reportedly keen to capitalise on the situation, tabling offers for Cobbo.