Hunt to double down on release request as wantaway Dragons star desperate for exit

Hunt to double down on release request as wantaway Dragons star desperate for exit

Wantaway Dragons star Ben Hunt will reportedly double down on his request for a release once the State of Origin series finishes.

That is according to the SMH who are reporting the 33-year-old is prepared to wait until after Game III to once again sit down with Dragons officials and new coach Shane Flanagan.

Hunt’s first request for a release was denied on June 26 after St George Illawarra board members sat down with the gun playmaker’s management.

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Round 18

FOX LEAGUE PODCAST – MICHAEL MORGAN

Cowboys legend Michael Morgan opens up on the injury that forced him into early retirement — and the doubts he had over the decision. He also relives his iconic flick pass in the 2015 NRL Grand Final and filling Johnathan Thurston’s shoes in 2017.

“The club met with Ben and his management today, where he shared the concerns and frustrations that led to his recent request for a release from his contract,” the Dragons said in a club statement.

Hunt is reportedly seeking a release for the 2024 season and won’t pursue an immediate exit to join the Broncos to close out 2023.

Hunt has made no secret of his desire to leave the club, citing his wish to return to Queensland as the primary factor driving his exit.

His current contract runs until the end of 2025, however the experienced halfback is reportedly set to sign with the Titans if his release request is approved.

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Channel 7’s Michelle Bishop also revealed on Friday Hunt had travelled to Brisbane as speculation surrounding his exit continues to bubble.

“Ben Hunt has left the state and has touched down in Brisbane,” Bishop said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“I can’t report exactly what he’s doing there.

“We can only think that he may be meeting up with his manager to discuss his next move.”

Meanwhile, the Dragons are in a battle to avoid the wooden spoon and have conceded 100 points in their last two games, including a 52-16 flogging at the hands of local rivals the Sharks.