Ben Hunt has become Brisbane's indispensable man as coach Michael Maguire faces a big decision on Ezra Mam for the NRL preliminary final against Penrith.
Mam slotted into the five-eighth position late in an opposed session and in and out of No.6 in team drills at training on Monday, as he nears a return from a hamstring injury on Sunday at Suncorp Stadium.
Captain Adam Reynolds is set to return at halfback from a hamstring injury of his own, while Hunt, who can play No.6 or No.9 with equal aplomb, spent most of his time in the halves at training.
There was a mix-and-match feel about the halves in the training drills outside of the team run, with Maguire rotating all three of his playmakers.
Cory Paix was at hooker for the opposed session until almost the end when a jarring of his back led to him stepping out and Hunt slotting in.
It all added to the melting pot of possible combinations.
Mam could be a lethal No.14 to inject when the sting goes out of the game.
The good news from an observer's point of view was that he appeared to be moving well.
The Panthers will be wary of him after his magnificent hat-trick of tries in the 2023 grand final, won 26-24 by Penrith thanks to the genius of Nathan Cleary.
Starting two halves on the way back from hamstring tears may be a risk too great to take for Maguire against the four-time defending premiers if there is any lingering doubt over either.
That's why 35-year-old Hunt has proven such a valuable signing for the Broncos.
His versatility has become even more important with the ACL injury suffered by Billy Walters, who was also effective at five-eighth or hooker.
Hunt's presence will allow Maguire to play Mam off the bench if he should choose to do so.
Tyson Smoothy was operating as a middle forward at training and may be used as a lock at various stages with Pat Carrigan suspended.
All will be revealed when the team lists are through at 4pm on Tuesday, but there is no doubt veteran Hunt's versatility is a real tonic for the Broncos.
His golden-point field goal in the 29-28 qualifying final win over Canberra was the big-moment play the Broncos brought him back to the club for.
Hunt's cool head in the five wins on the trot without Reynolds helped put the Broncos in the position they are in now.
Meanwhile, the Broncos continued their squad retention moves, with back-rower Jaiyden Hunt signing a one-year extension for 2026.
