It didn't abate through the remainder of the series - or at club level - but he'll head into Monday's clash with Canterbury on a high after a standout 80-minute effort in the Maroons No. 9 on Wednesday.

In a position many consider his best position at rep level, Hunt produced a first-half 40-20 and had a number of class touches in his side's second-half run.

He also produced a game-high 53 tackles, removing any doubt over whether he could go the distance in the middle of the park.

Read more: Maroons land first blow on NSW at Suncorp Stadium

A five-day spell is likely to see him back-up for the Dragons against the Dogs on Monday after coming through the match unscathed.

Coach Kevin Walters said he gave the 29-year-old some clear instructions at break with his side down 8-0.

"[I said] just run the ball Ben, that's what you're there for mate," Walters said.

"He got through the 80 minutes magnificently. Everyone knows the belief I have in Ben Hunt. I Iove him as football player, he's tough, rugged skillful.

"I thought he showed his real class in that second half in some of the defensive plays that he pulled off.

"He also got a bit more active in the game. We need to get him better in that area for game two.

"His second 40 needs to be his first 40. That'll put us in a much better place."

Dragons coach Paul McGregor named Hunt on an extended bench on Tuesday, with Jai Field listed in the No. 7. He'll make way if Hunt proves fit but is likely to shift to the interchange.

Blues pair Paul Vaughan and Tyson Frizell also came through injury-free. Vaughan will almost certainly back-up after playing 41 minutes in two stints Blues coach Brad Fittler labeled outstanding.

Frizell played an uncharacteristically low 39 minutes after his preparation was limited by a concussion suffered the Dragons round-12 loss to Cronulla.

It continued an injury-riddled year for Frizell, who missed four matches after suffering a lacerated testicle in round one. It could see him rested from Monday's clash.