Ben Hunt signs five-year deal with St George Illawarra from 2018

BEN Hunt’s move to the Dragons has been confirmed with the Broncos halfback to join the Red V on a five-year deal from 2018.

Ben Hunt of the Broncos tackled by Gareth Widdop of the Dragons during the St George Illawarra Dragons v Brisbane Broncos round 22 NRL game at WIN Stadium, Wollongong. pic Mark Evans

BRONCOS halfback Ben Hunt will officially become a Dragon in 2018, after St George Illawarra confirmed the signing news today.

It was reported last week that Hunt had accepted a lucrative $6 million deal with the Dragons for five years from 2018 and beyond.

His new club finally confirmed the news today, releasing a statement to say all “official documentation” had been completed.

Hunt will join the Dragons at the end of the 2017 season, with the Dragons director of rugby league pathways Ian Millward calling the signing a “crucial” step forward.

“We were looking for a really competent, world-class halfback,” he said in the statement.

“It was about signing someone who has been a regular halfback and who has played at the highest level.

Hunt will be a Dragon in 2018.

“Ben’s also a good family man and quite composed as a person. The fans should be over the moon.”

Hunt’s Broncos teammate Andrew McCullough said this morning that he was not surprised by the news his good friend was leaving the club and that Hunt had to do what was best for his young family.

“He’s made this decision for his family,” he said.

“He has a young boy now. He has less than 10 years left. At a certain stage in your career you have to realise that. He’s done that now.

“We can move forward as a team and he’ll put his best foot forward regardless of the circumstances.”

Originally published as Ben Hunt signs five-year deal with St George Illawarra from 2018