Broncos triumph over Bulldogs in NRL Pre-Season Challenge

The Brisbane Broncos have won the 2025 NRL Pre-Season Challenge, with new recruit Ben Hunt starring in their 30-14 victory over the Canterbury Bulldogs at Kayo Stadium on Saturday.

Hunt, who rejoins the Broncos this year after seven seasons with the St George Illawarra Dragons, had his first run for the club and impressed.

The halfback was involved in each of the Broncos’ first three tries as Adam Reynolds, Jesse Arthars and Selwyn Cobbo all crossed over to give Brisbane a 14-0 lead at half-time.

The home side built on that in the second stanza, adding tries to Delouise Hoeter, Deine Mariner and Benjamin Te Kura to defuse a Bulldogs’ comeback after Canterbury crossed over three times in 10 minutes.

After the match, returning star Reece Walsh shared that playing alongside Hunt was a “pinch me” moment for him.

“Yeah, it’s cool,” Walsh said.

“You know, he’s a world class player.

“Still has some bad habits in his game, but you know, we’ll work on those.

“Just enjoying it, seeing him happy, back in the Broncos jersey – I was watching him when I was a kid, so it’s a ‘pinch me’ moment for myself.”

The fullback also shared that the Broncos are feeling confident heading into the 2025 NRL, despite having finished 12th last season.

“We didn’t finish too well, but you know, we’re leaving that behind us,” he said.

“It’s a new year, new coach, new coaching staff.

“I think the boys are hungry. We’re excited for the year.

“It’s felt like a big pre-season.

“It was good, blowing out the cobwebs.

“I play fullback and I’m starting to get cauliflower ears; pre-season was tough.

“I missed the back end of last year, so it was a bit of time away from footy.

“It’s good to be back.”

NRL betting sites put the Broncos on the third line of betting to win the Premiership in 2025, with Marantelli Bet pricing them at $8.

Last year’s beaten finalists the Melbourne Storm lead outright betting ($3.75) while four-time defending champions the Penrith Panthers are second-favourites across rugby league bookmakers ($4.50).

Brisbane will get their 2025 campaign underway against the Sydney Roosters on Thursday, March 6.

Marantelli Bet put them as $1.65 favourites heading into the opening fixture, with the Roosters priced at $2.25 to win the match.

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