- Ben Hunt won’t be at the Dragons in 2025
- Halfback wants to be based in Queensland
- Inflammatory comments saw Hunt moved on
Ben Hunt’s time at the St George Illawarra Dragons has come to an end, with two comments he made helping cost him his $950,000-a-season contract.
The halfback publicly stated earlier this that the Red V didn’t want to keep him – and then told the club to chase Eels star Clint Gutherson to play five-eighth next season in a likely ploy to get the club offside so he could become a free agent.
Given Kyle Flanagan – the son of coach Shane Flanagan – is the likely pivot next season for the joint venture club, it seems clear Hunt had his mind set on forcing his way out of the team.
The 34-year-old has been the Dragons’ marquee man since signing in 2018 – but results haven’t followed.
After the representative star recently declared – again publicly – that he wasn’t keen to return to pre-season training in January, powerbrokers at the club reacted.
Why pay a disgruntled player – who was also club captain – $160,000 leading into the New Year if he didn’t want to be there?
On Wednesday, a phone hook-up was swiftly arranged, with Hunt holidaying with his family in New Zealand.
Dragons boss Ryan Webb, general manager of football Ben Haran, Hunt’s agent Steve Gillis and the want-away star all agreed over a zoom call it was best the halfback moved on, effective immediately.
The move will also see the Dragons with $1million to spend come November 1, when just over 180 NRL players become free agents.
It is understood the Dragons will chase Gutherson – plus emerging Sharks half Daniel Atkinson and Wigan pivot Bevan French.
Melbourne Storm utility Tyran Wishart – who grew up on the NSW south coast – is also a target, but is tipped to stay at AAMI Park.
Club CEO Ryan Webb felt Hunt moving on ‘is best for the club.’
‘This decision was not easy and not taken lightly, but we need to do what is best for the club at this time,’ he said.
‘After extensive discussions with Ben and his management, it became clear that this is the best path forward for both parties.
‘It allows the club to openly explore the player market and focus on the future.’
Hunt – who only played in one finals series during his tenure at the NRL club – stated he was ‘grateful for everything the club has done for me’ – and also ‘appreciated them allowing me to explore other opportunities.’
