At just 19-years-old, the rookie was expected to steer the likes of Petero Civoniceva, Corey Parker and Sam Thaiday around the park.

Read more: Tariq Sims to remain a Dragon as early departure ruled out

It certainly wasn't an easy adjustment.

"Trying to get into my head that I've got to tell them what to do, it's pretty daunting at times," Hunt said. "You've got to understand that those guys have got to be told where to go.

"They're out there in the washing machine, going hard, doing their job. They need to be told what they need to do and where they need to be."

It's a challenge Hunt eventually overcame and it's one the Dragons skipper is confident emerging five-eighth Talatau Amone will conquer.

The youngster is in the frame to return to the starting line-up for Sunday's clash against the Tigers, with Jack Bird under an injury cloud.

Amone was up to the task when injected into Monday's Anzac Day win over the Roosters at halftime, handling the big stage with aplomb.

Should he fill the five-eighth role this weekend, Hunt is confident the 20-year-old will show considerable improvement since his last start in round three.

"With Junior on the field, I'm trying to help him out and develop his game,'' Hunt said. "I'm trying to help the guys grow and develop. They're still young kids and they're pretty quiet on the field, so I'm encouraging them to speak up and direct the forwards around."

Amone's progression has not been smooth sailing, the Steelers junior dropped to the bench before the round-four clash with the Eels.

It came as fullback Tyrell Sloan was demoted to reserve grade, the pair disappointed by the decision.

But having worked closely with Hunt over the past month, Amone believes the process has helped him become a better player.

"We were gutted," Amone said. "But we couldn't do anything about it, we just wanted to put our heads down and play good footy.

"It was a bit tough but I feel like that was best for the team and once I'm ready, I'll be ready to take that No. 6 jersey again.

"Going back to the bench has made me appreciate starting and playing a full game more. Once I get that chance again, I'll take it with both arms."

Hunt was in and out of first grade throughout the early years of his career.

It's a process that set the foundation for a long career and Amone is aiming to follow in a similar trajectory.

One day he hopes he'll also be considered among the top halves in the game.

"Ben told us that this is footy and we'll be back in the starting squad soon," Amone said. "He's making sure we don't lose confidence in ourselves.

"He's helped me enormously since I joined the squad. He's one of the top halfbacks in the comp. I try to take as much as I can out of his game and put it into my game.

"I want to be a top half in my career, I'm trying to learn as much as I can off him."

To read more stories, download the Illawarra Mercury news app in the Apple Store or Google Play.