Suva: Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga spoke for thousands of rugby league fans when he said the criticism levelled at Ben Hunt was often driven ''because of the size of his wage".

Even his own St George Illawarra fans have often found it easy to turn on their $6 million man, but Hunt remains a must with Meninga when it comes to wearing the green and gold at the end of the season.

Ben Hunt faces plenty of criticism, but has a fan in the Australian coach. Credit:Getty

Hunt himself said he was disappointed with his finish to the NRL season and would learn how to cope with the post-Origin period better if given the chance to play for Queensland again.

Meninga has always admired Hunt for his on-field ability and how he copes with the intense scrutiny of his game.