St George Illawarra Dragons captain Ben Hunt’s immediate future at the club is up in the air as it was reported he was given permission to negotiate with rival clubs for the 2026 season.
Ironically this time last year, it was Ben Hunt who wanted to move home to Queensland to finish his decorated career, before Head coach Shane Flanagan stepped in and insisted he finish his contract at the Red V.
The club’s decision comes after the Dragons failed to reach their first finals appearance in six years despite being in poll position to qualify with three weeks remaining in the 2024 regular season.
It has been reported that Shane Flanagan gave Hunt a scathing post season review despite him leading the competition in Try Assists with 30 in 2024.
Long time Dragons Fan, Ryan Mcmahon believes the criticism of Hunt has been unfair at times.
“Ben Hunt has been just about the only good thing to come out of our club in recent years. To see the critics going after him for a slightly poor end to the season is unfair.” Mcmahon said.
There is no doubt that Ben Hunt wants to return to a Queensland NRL Club before he retires and the Dragons are considering an immediate release if they can find a suitable replacement.
There have been numerous names thrown up as a potential replacement, including the likes of Clint Gutherson, Braydon Trindall and Daniel Atkinson.
Mcmahon agrees that the club must stick with Hunt unless they can sign one of these players.
“After a positive building season this year, we cannot just throw our most dangerous player without some sort of replacement. We would be going backwards.”
The Dragons have already landed the signatures of State of Origin representatives Valentine Holmes and Damien Cook for season 2025. With these additions Fans are hoping for the club to build on what was a promising year in 2024.
“The club surprised everyone in 2024, we were wooden spoon favourites at the start of the season and finished one win away from finals. I am excited for 2025.”
The Dragons are set to return to Pre Season training in early November however, Ben Hunt will likely return after Christmas given his duties in the Australian Kangaroos post season Test Matches.