Dragons star Ben Hunt has admitted he “doesn’t like” playing hooker but says he’s “happy to do what’s best for the team” as coach Anthony Griffin enforced some key changes to his struggling side.
In the midst of a four-game losing streak, Griffin has promoted the exciting Jayden Sullivan to first grade after some strong form in NSW Cup, as well as controversially wielding the axe on centre Zac Lomax.
The 21-year-old will start on the bench, and Hunt will begin the game at halfback, but could be switched to hooker to accommodate Sullivan whenever he enters the game.
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Hunt, who has consistently been in Griffin’s corner this season as the embattled coach deals with rumblings over his future with the club, told the SMH that Griffin “knows I don’t like playing” hooker.
“If it comes at the price of winning games, I’m pretty happy to play anything,” Hunt said.
“We all play the game because we want to win. If we’re winning and our best brand of footy is me at nine, then I’ll do it.
“I’ve always wanted to play halfback but I’m happy to do what’s best for the team. If it (the shift) does work, I’ll be stuck there.”
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Hunt said he had “thought about” a move to hooker for the Dragons a “couple of times” but never presented it to Griffin.
“Deep down I thought I could help the team and that hooker could be an option, but my heart has been at halfback.”
Hunt also sung the praises of Sullivan, who has forced his way back into the side after being dropped earlier in the season.
“I’ve seen him mature a lot … He’s a real excitement player,” Hunt said.
“He can do everything you want with the ball but he’s probably been a bit erratic in the past.
“Whereas I think I’ve seen him mature and learn to calm down and just sort of sit back and read the game a bit better, rather than chancing his arm when he didn’t need to.
“I think that’s probably the biggest thing I’ve seen in Sully, just maturity.”
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