“But I think it comes back from the hard preseason that we had, a lot of running, a defensive mindset, and that’s something that I’m incorporating in my game – having that defensive mindset on top of that attack.”
Walsh revealed he had not spoken to Queensland coach Billy Slater about his Origin prospects.
His season tackle efficiency of 74 per cent is career-best, but his growth in marshalling the defensive line and covering opposition breaks has been his key change.
After conceding 25.29 points a game on average last year in a 12th-place finish, the Broncos have pulled that back to 19.6 under Maguire, while leading the competition for points scored (164).
Walsh’s attacking output has not matched his past heroics, but Hunt was adamant the more “controlled” approach he had taken had been crucial in the club’s four wins from five clashes.
Walsh has long been praised and criticised for his gunslinger approach – condemned for a league-leading error count (14 this year), but lauded for not going into his shell after committing an indiscretion.
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There have been suggestions teams have worked Walsh out, but Hunt dismissed those concerns ahead of his battle with the Roosters on Friday.
And he hinted there would be more to come from his and Walsh’s left-side combination.
“I think controlled is probably the best word for it,” Hunt said.
“He’s been working extremely hard mostly on his defence and getting our numbers right, and getting into tackles when he has to.
“He knows he’s got the attack side of things, we just wanted him to work on that [defence] and I think he’s been excellent for us. He’s doing everything Madge asks of him.
“I definitely know he’s working on variations and different things he can add to his game. If teams have worked him out they’re doing a pretty good job, because I think he’s offered a lot still and his best footy for this year is still ahead of him.
“The way we’re playing, we’re a little bit separate on different sides of the field, and we’ve got some opportunities where we do come together and play a bit, so it’s something we’re working on.
“You always keep a few things in your back pocket for certain games.”
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