NRL signings: Ben Hunt will finish his career back at the Broncos in a move that makes Michael Maguire’s side a premiership threat

Ben Hunt will finish his career back where it all started after the veteran playmaker agreed to return to Brisbane on a two-year deal in a move that makes the Broncos title contenders under new coach Michael Maguire.

Hunt, 34, was granted an immediate release by the Dragons a few weeks ago, with the former skipper linked with a move to the Broncos, Dolphins, Roosters and Bulldogs.

But the Broncos have won the race for the 334-game veteran, with Hunt set to partner Adam Reynolds in what will be a halves pairing brimming with leadership and big-game experience.

His return to Red Hill has a sense of poetry about it after Hunt spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Broncos before he moved to the Dragons in 2018 on a big-money deal.

Hunt will replace Ezra Mam at five-eighth, with the young star expected to receive a lengthy ban for crashing his car while allegedly having drugs in his system.

The halfback led the league with 34 try assists last season but was unable to take the Dragons deep into the finals, with the Red V last making the top eight way back in 2018.

“He’s a great player, with what he brings to the football field. He’s a leader off the football field as well, which is super important in any organisation,” Reynolds said on Monday when asked about Hunt possibly joining the club.

“He’s an X factor and amongst some of the game’s greats, and obviously it would be a big benefit to get them here to the club.

“If you’ve got competition in the squad, it’s going to make you a better player and Ben would add to that if he did arrive here.

“He’s a competitor, brings a lot of experience and no doubt it would be a great addition to the squad if we can get him.”