The Queensland Maroons have rushed Ben Hunt into their Origin squad after getting a special exemption from the NRL to replace the injured Reed Mahoney.

Mahoney injured his shoulder in the Eels’ win over Newcastle on Sunday and unable to return to Maroons camp.

The statement from the QRL reads:

Queensland Maroons coach Paul Green can confirm Ben Hunt has been added to the Maroons squad.

With Reed Mahoney unable to re-join the group after suffering an injury while playing for Parramatta, the Maroons sought a player exemption and this request has now been approved.

Hunt, who played two games for the Maroons last year, will join the squad in Townsville today.