In his 2023 top-50 players list for The Daily Telegraph, veteran writer Phil Rothfield vehemently defended his choice to exclude Dragons star Ben Hunt, claiming the halfback hasn’t ‘done anything this year’.
It is definitely accurate to state that Hunt’s off-field turmoil this season and his request for an early release from the Dragons have garnered more media attention than his on-field accomplishments.
Nevertheless, most people would concur that Hunt had a respectable year while playing for a terrible club team. He also helped the Maroons defeat the Blues 2-1 in State of Origin.
Rothfield asserts that his rankings, however, were determined on “form and what they’ve done for their clubs” this season, and that Hunt’s handling of his release request was “really poor”.
On the Big Sports Breakfast, Rothfield remarked, “The most criticism I’ve gotten has been about leaving Ben Hunt out and I make no apologies for it.”
“I completed it this year on time, and he had a respectable season. However, I believed that by declaring his disinterest in being in Origin camp, he did not aid the Dragons’ campaign.
How do his teammates feel about that? I felt that was really bad manners.
“I did it based on my performance this year and what they did for their teams. He didn’t do anything this year, in my opinion.
Rothfield reiterated his position when BSB co-host Michael Clarke questioned why the off-field turmoil should be taken into account when evaluating Hunt.
Rothfield replied, “I thought what he accomplished was really, pretty unremarkable. I suppose he’d ordinarily be between 30-40th on the list.
“If you are the club captain and you are stating that you do not wish to be here. He is the leader of the most illustrious team in the sport. How would that affect his teammates and sponsors, to say nothing?
When asked about Daly Cherry-Evans’ placement (18th) on his list, Rothfield was questioned as well. ‘Buzz’ acknowledged that the Manly halfback may have been ranked a little bit higher.
“I have him at 18.” His year was fantastic. One must respect that player’s longevity.
“When talking about the top 10, he may have been higher, but how does he stack up against Shaun Johnson and Adam Reynolds in terms of their seasons?
Laurie Daley of BSB applauded Rothfield for include so many forwards in his top 10, noting that such players occasionally go unnoticed.
“You had Lindsay Collins, Payne Haas, and Fonua-Blake (in the top 10).” Daley stated, “I just believe that rewarding those guys is good because frequently we overlook them and go for the so-called superstars and guys in the limelight.”
