Analysis: Why St George Illawarra Dragons agreed to let Zac Lomax leave but won’t release Ben Hunt

The Dragons took a hardline stance and refused to let a disillusioned Ben Hunt leave, so why is disgruntled star Zac Lomax allowed to walk away from his bumper contract?

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Any comparison to the Dragons ignoring Ben Hunt’s release request while granting Zac Lomax an early exit is off the mark.

The two cases are completely different.

Lomax finally got his wish on Tuesday when a tougher-than-ever before St George Illawarra management offered him the out he’s privately been wanting for some time.

Talk to enough people at Saints, Lomax has wanted out a lot longer than just because coach Shane Flanagan moved him from the centre to the wing in Round 1.

Nonetheless, the decision has been made to allow Lomax, 24, permission to leave at the end of this season, with the club to bear none of the remaining $1.6 million owed, for the final two years of his contract, on their salary cap.

Ben Hunt and Zac Lomax. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

JUSTIFIED DOUBLE STANDARDS

Credit has to be given to the Saints board for letting go a player who doesn’t want to wear the famous Red V.

It comes nine months after Hunt had himself requested a release because he had lost confidence in Dragons management and become disillusioned with the direction of the club, which included the sacking of former coach and close mentor Anthony Griffin.

While Hunt confirmed, last December, that he would play for the Dragons this season, he stopped short of declaring he would be at the club in 2025.

While on the surface critics will call it double standards, the big difference between Hunt’s bid to leave, which the Dragons ultimately declined, is simple.

He means more to the club than what Lomax does.

Not only is Hunt the captain, he is the halfback and one who has more influence on the Dragons winning or losing than any other player.

No one holds more influence at the Dragons than Ben Hunt, pictured here with halves partner Kyle Flanagan and Zac Lomax. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

LACK OF REPLACEMENTS

Another hugely important factor to Hunt being told he can’t leave the Dragons is the lack of options the club has to cover his potential departure.

Former Dragon Jayden Sullivan joined the Wests Tigers this season, while Talatau Amone has been deregistered after being found guilty of a rooftop hammer attack in Wollongong, a conviction he will appeal in court on Friday.

Broncos v Storm SuperCoach scores.

Compounding that, the current open market is devoid of quality halves for next season.

However, when the 34-year-old’s $1 million-plus contract expires at the end of 2025, Hunt will be one of 19 halfbacks, including rising stars Ethan Strange, Jonah Pezet, Lachlan Ilias, Sam Walker and Braydon Trindall, available for the Dragons to go after.

Alternatively, the Dragons could make an experienced play by signing an off-contract veteran like Luke Keary, Cody Walker or Aidan Sezer.

Sam Walker is off contract at the end of next season. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

THE FLANO EFFECT

From the moment he was appointed head coach, Flanagan was confident that he could create an environment that Hunt would enjoy coming to work each day.

So far, we haven’t heard anything to suggest Hunt still wants out.

With respect to Lomax, when you factor in his $800,000 salary, his wing or centre position and his influence on the team, it just isn’t worth trying to convince him to stay.

Lomax has shown in the first four rounds that he’s a serious footballer. He’s leading the Dragons in run metres (679), runs (89), is equal first for tackle busts (22), has scored the most points (32) and is second on the club’s try-scoring list with three.

But he isn’t as important as Hunt.

Originally published as Analysis: Why St George Illawarra Dragons agreed to let Zac Lomax leave but won’t release Ben Hunt