Former Brisbane Broncos hooker Andrew McCullough says Ben Hunt’s entry into the exclusive FOGS Dick “Tosser” Turner Medal club next week is a credit to his great mate’s remarkable resilience and the man he has turned out to be.
Hunt will join the Turner club -- which includes Maroon greats, Cameron Smith, Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston, Allan Langer, Mal Meninga, Nate Myles, current coach Billy Slater, current captain Daly Cherry-Evans, and Dane Gagai who returns to the Maroons jersey next week for his 23rd appearance.
The FOGS Dick "Tosser" Turner Medal is awarded to players who have given 20 games service to Queensland.
It was created to honour the contributions made by legendary Queensland team manager, Richard Turner, who passed away in June 2008.
It’s the goal of every player who pulls on a maroon jumper and represents his state.
Turner, considered The Godfather of Origin, was influential in Queensland’s early success and in instilling the culture and ethos into Maroons.
“It wasn’t always easy for Ben who had some down times and some critics but he has risen above all that and I am very happy and proud of him,” said McCullough who played more than 300 NRL games himself and now works with the Broncos' development program.
“Forget the football side.
“Ben has not let anything change him from his early days and if I were a young halfback starting out, I’d be looking at his careers and seeking some advice from Ben.
McCullough and Hunt were teammates from their junior days and played in representative teams together before forging their careers with the Brisbane Broncos.
They played nine seasons together at Red Hill between 2008-17 before an irresistible contract offer from St George-Illawarra lured Hunt away.
Their careers continued to align with Hunt becoming FOG #193 in 2017 and McCullough FOG #194 In 2018.
They played four State of Origin games together between 2018-2021 and were teammates in Brisbane’s epic 2015 NRL grand final defeat to North Queensland.
In that game, Hunt dropped a ball from the kick-off, which enabled North Queensland great Johnathan Thurston to kick the match-winning field goal.
Hunt was unfairly hung out to dry for his error but to his credit did not let it define him.
“None of Ben’s teammates blamed him or pointed the finger at him,” said McCullough.
“He had a breakout year in 2015 which was one of the reasons we made the grand final.”
McCullough said some players might have struggled to come back from such a mental bullet.
But at 34, Hunt is playing his best rugby league for the Dragons and any demons he may have had were flushed out by his magnificent series-winning try in 2022.
Wednesday night will be another chance for Hunt to show his class.
Regardless of the result, McCullough knows his little mate will give Queensland his very best.
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