Hunt's top five Origin moments

It’s no secret representing the Queensland Maroons – representing Queensland – means everything to hooker Ben Hunt.

Hunt, FOG #193, has pulled the jersey on 17 times so far and said it was a feeling that never got old.

“It means everything to me,” Hunt said.

“Growing up, as a kid, all I wanted to do was play for my state and wear the maroon jersey.

“Every time I get the opportunity to do it, I cherish it as much as I can. Means the world to me.”

Hunt said growing up in Dingo, “a small, little town” in Queensland’s Central Highlands, when the footy was on everyone came together, “all the kids sitting on the floor and everyone going absolutely berserk whenever Queensland scored”.

“My favourite player as a kid was Mat Rogers… strange given he was a winger and I have never played winger in my life, but whenever he played for Queensland, he was always one of the best players,” Hunt said.

“I wish I was that fast… would make things a lot easier.”

Hunt said it blew his mind there were children sitting on their loungeroom floors going berserk when he touched the ball.

There would have been plenty when he scored the runaway try in 2022, no doubt.

“It’s very strange to think about that… it makes me feel really good inside that I can inspire… make kids want to be great Queenslanders and pull on this jersey," Hunt said.

“It just makes you feel very special to know that you can give them that feeling.”

Hunt’s top five Origin moments

1. Hunt’s runaway try

“Number one would have to be my try…. the runaway try; charging down the kick and scoring. It’s probably one of the best moments in my life, sporting wise. 'Run you little bastard' is definitely what was going through my head… didn’t want to let him catch me. Just had enough to get there.”