St George Illawarra captain Ben Hunt is reportedly seeking an immediate a release from his contract at the Dragons and the Queensland star may have played his last game for the club.
The Maroons star was not convinced by the appointment of Shane Flanagan as head coach at the Dragons and will now look to leave the club that he joined in 2018.
According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, he wants to leave as soon as possible, disillusioned with the direction of the club in the wake of Anthony Griffin’s sacking.
Hunt signed an extension in October and is contracted to the club until 2025. With a new coach coming in, it might be that all parties agree to expedite his exit.
(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Flanagan had told 2GB earlier in the day that the halfback was in his plans and would remain at the club.
“From the club’s perspective, Ben Hunt will be there,” he said.
“He’s got a contract. I spoke to Ben before I actually signed because I didn’t want to become the Dragons coach and then (have) our halfback wanting out of the club, and he was fine with all that if I was to get the job.”
If he is granted a release, he will not lack for suitors.
Hunt’s future has been in doubt for months, with the Dragons looking to re-sign their star player but the halfback has been courted by several NRL clubs, including Sydney rivals Canterbury and the Gold Coast Titans.
The Raiders, who have salary cap space following the impending departure of Jack Wighton, will be in the mix, as will the Tigers after Luke Brooks announced his intention to leave.
The Dolphins, too, are on the lookout for a marquee player. They and the Titans would be considered among the favourites given Hunt’s stated desire to return to his native Queensland when he retires and his history with Redcliffe coach Wayne Bennett, whom he played under at Brisbane.
Hunt has previously expressed support for the decision to appoint Flanagan for 2024.
“I think it’s what they needed,” said the halfback.
“He’s obviously shown he can do it before. He’s won premierships and knows what it takes to build a good team and successful club. I think that’s why they went in that direction.
“I haven’t talked to Flanno or anyone since the decisions were made. At the moment I’m getting through Origin camp and then I’ll talk to those guys.
“There’s always a couple of clubs interested that have thrown their hat in the ring.
“I’m not going to go into too many details. I haven’t had any official offers or anything from anyone at all. At the moment I’m contracted to the Dragons.”
For their part, the Dragons have no shortage of other playmaking options, with highly touted local products Junior Amone and Jayden Sullivan currently jostling to partner Hunt in the halves.
Griffin’s loyalty to Hunt had previously been a source of tension at the Red V. Sullivan requested an early release from his own contract in October when Hunt blocked his path to a full-time role in the starting side.
He later recanted and remains tied with the club through 2025, with Amone signed on until 2024.
with AAP