Brisbane CEO Paul White says the NRL club will look to the player market to replace Ben Hunt but hasn’t ruled out the Broncos’ production line providing the replacement.

White said the Broncos would run the rule over the many playmakers off contract this year after Hunt confirmed he will take up a five-year, $6 million deal with St George Illawarra from 2018.

But with the likes of Kodi Nikorima waiting in the wings, White said Hunt’s replacement may yet “come from within”.

“We are always confident to be able to develop talent out of our roster,” he said.

“(But) there’s been a bit of commentary around marquee players in those key positions along the spine so we will look at the market most certainly.”

Retention will also be the key for Brisbane after Hunt was the first to feel the salary cap pinch.

The Broncos have 20 players coming off contract this year including 12 of their top 17 including playmaker Anthony Milford, captain-in-waiting Darius Boyd, Adam Blair, Andrew McCullough and Jordan Kahu.