St George Illawarra have granted captain Ben Hunt permission to begin negotiating with rival clubs immediately.
Hunt’s future at the Dragons is up in the air as it grows increasingly likely that he has played his final game for the red V.
Ben HuntCredit: NRL Photos
Sources with knowledge of the situation talking under the condition of anonymity due to confidentiality told this masthead that the Dragons held a board meeting on Tuesday and decided to allow Hunt the opportunity to begin speaking with rival clubs for 2026 before the November 1 free agency date.
It is unclear if Hunt, who is in Australian camp, has been informed of the club’s intention for him to test the open market two weeks earlier than he would’ve been allowed. His management has been made aware of the development.
The Dragons recently told Hunt that they are not in a position to offer him a contract beyond his current deal which expires at the end of 2025 despite holding talks with him earlier in the year about the prospect of potentially playing on.
Those talks have since been put on hold with a few of revisiting them after a few games next season. Hunt has made it known publicly of his concerns about having no future at the Dragons. Privately he has been concerned about what he believes is a leaking campaign to undermine his position at the club over an unfavourably end-of-season review.
Tension between Hunt and the Dragons escalated after coach Shane Flanagan told him his performances weren’t up to standard in the exit review.
Hunt has previously wanted a release from the Dragons, however the club – led by Flanagan – insisted he stayed put and honoured his deal for at least 12 months before they revisited his situation.
The Dragons haven’t mentioned the prospect of releasing Hunt in 2025, however sources with knowledge of the situation told this masthead that the club would entertain the notion of Hunt playing at another club next season if they could get something in return.
Hunt recently indicated he would be open to a return to Queensland. He has purchased property in the Byron Hinterland. However, Hunt has attracted interest from some Sydney clubs.
