St George Illawarra captain Ben Hunt has thrown his support behind embattled boss Anthony Griffin and claimed axing the coach would “set this club back a couple of years.”
Griffin has guided the Dragons to two wins from four games this season, but have shipped an alarming combined total of 80 points in the defeats to the Brisbane Broncos and the Cronulla Sharks.
Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
He has also reportedly been asked to reapply for his job should he wish to extend his stay at the joint venture beyond 2023.
However, Hunt firmly believes the club would be significantly worse off should the club elect to rip things up and start again at some stage this season.
“If we get four or five weeks down the road and we start again, it will set this club back a couple of years,” Hunt told The Sun-Herald.
“That’s what I believe. We need to ride this out.”
Accidental knee deemed ‘reckless’ | 00:53
MORE COVERAGE
Big Hits: ‘Scary’ Ricky reaction sparks bloody boilover as legend backs Bunker controversy
‘Don’t want to lose him that way’: Ricky’s big Milford regret amid $4m Wighton battle
Big Hits: Turbo’s injury revealed as mismatch exposes Manly in brutal reality check
Hunt has enjoyed career-best form working under Griffin, who the former has known since he was 17 given their Rockhampton ties.
The 33-year-old was even a leading contender for the Dally M medal last season but finished short in the final tally and is desperate to bring a premiership to Jubilee Oval.
Hunt is also yet to play finals football under Griffin at the Dragons, with ‘Hook’ overseeing finishes of 11th and 10th in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
Although he doesn’t want to think about a future without Griffin at the Dragons, Hunt didn’t rule out “riding off into the sunset” with his mentor.
“I honestly can’t comment on it [what would happen if Griffin was sacked],” Hunt said.
“I’ve been at clubs when coaches do change and all of a sudden the player personnel changes, the new coach comes in and wants different things.
“I understand a lot can change when there’s a coaching change.
“I’m definitely not saying I’ll ride off into the sunset [with Griffin], but you never know what’s going to happen.”
