Ben Hunt has revealed that the Papua New Guinea Chiefs attempted to poach three Brisbane Broncos stars during the NRL trophy tour. The revelation adds fuel to the ongoing debate about NRL expansion.
Poaching attempt on Broncos trio
The veteran playmaker, who recently joined the Dolphins, claimed that representatives of the PNG Chiefs approached three Broncos players with offers to join the proposed NRL franchise. Hunt said the offers were made during the trophy tour that followed Brisbane’s premiership win.
“They were trying to get them to jump ship,” Hunt told reporters. “It’s a bit of a shock, but it shows how serious they are about getting into the competition.”
The three players targeted were not named, but Hunt indicated they were key members of the Broncos squad. The PNG Chiefs are one of several groups vying for an NRL license, with the league expected to expand by two teams in the coming years.
Expansion debate heats up
The poaching attempt has reignited discussions about the impact of expansion on existing clubs. Some critics argue that new teams could destabilize the player market, while supporters say it will grow the game in new regions.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo declined to comment on the specific claims but reiterated the league’s commitment to a measured expansion process. “We are looking at all options to ensure the long-term health of the game,” he said.
The Broncos have not issued a formal response, but sources close to the club say they are monitoring the situation closely. The development comes as the PNG government continues to push for a team based in Port Moresby.
Hunt, who played for the Broncos before moving to the Dolphins, said he was not surprised by the aggressive recruitment tactics. “It’s business as usual in rugby league. Everyone is looking for an edge,” he added.
