Dragons star Ben Hunt has addressed the speculation surrounding his playing future — with a number of clubs reportedly interested in signing the Maroons gun.
The 32-year-old has announced he wants to remain with the Red V, but Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould confirmed he met with Hunt regarding a potential transfer.
“Yes, I met with Ben and his manager,” Gould said to the SMH.
Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
LISTEN TO THE FULL JACKSON HASTINGS INTERVIEW ON THE FOX LEAGUE PODCAST
“It was a conversation to get to know him. I simply said if things don’t work out we’d like to chat to him then.”
Hunt has also been linked with a move north back to his native Queensland, with both the Titans and the NRL’s newest franchise, the Dolphins reportedly making a play for his services.
Despite being linked elsewhere, Hunt said is “happy” at the Dragons and wants to stay.
“Every day there seems to be something popping up,” Hunt said regarding his own situation, per AAP.
“I’ll just wait until the season’s over, I’ve only got one more week.
“We’ll get it sorted out and we’re working through it. I enjoy the club and I’m happy to stay.”
News that Hunt met with Gould comes as the playmaker baulked at an initial offer from the Dragons of $700,000 a seaso.
He also reportedly wanted to tie his own playing future to that of coach Anthony Griffin in any potential contract extension.
Meanwhile, Dragons forwards Jaydn Su’A and Blake Lawrie have reportedly been left disgruntled by the club’s disappointing season.
MORE NRL NEWS
CRYSTAL BALL: Every scenario in the NRL’s last round, week one of finals predicted
‘GOT TO KNOW THE RULES’: Tigers ‘beat ourselves’ as blunder proves costly
‘SUMS UP THEIR SEASON’: Dragons get out of jail as Tigers blow unlosable game
WHISPERS: Gus reveal spells trouble for Flanagan as Dogs make Munster move
Su’A, who joined the club from the Rabbitohs this season, went as far as requesting a release from the final two years of his contract according to The Daily Telegraph.
Reports surrounding unrest at the Red V club began in July, and club officials condemned those leaking stories to the media.
St George Illawarra general manager of football Ben Haran played down the claims of player unrest and denied Su’A ever requested a release.
“We’ve heard a murmur about it but nothing formal has come to us,” Haran said. “Jaydn certainly hasn’t asked for a release. Not at this stage anyway.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
“We’re all a bit frustrated about the way we’ve gone this year but Jaydn is a big part of our future.”
Su’A kicked off the year strong but his form was hampered by a syndesmosis injury which sidelined the backrower for six weeks.
As it stands, Su’A is contracted with the Dragons until the end of the 2024 season, while Lawrie, who is a St George Illawarra junior is off-contract at the end of 2023.
