Ben Hunt’s honest admission as huge Dragons NRL contract decision looms

Dragons veteran Ben Hunt has revealed he’s “on the fence” regarding a potential fresh contract to extend his time with the Red V.

Ben Hunt's honest contract admission

Dragons veteran Ben Hunt has revealed he’s “on the fence” regarding a potential fresh contract to remain at the Red V club until the end of the 2026 season.

Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has previously revealed he’s sat down with Hunt to discuss a one-year extension, with his currently deal running until the end of the club’s 2025 campaign.

Watch every game of every round this NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

However, speaking to Jake Duke on Fox League’s Face to Face, Hunt explained he is having doubts surrounding his future, with retirement on the horizon.

“To be honest I’m still on the fence about it and not on the fence with the club and whether I want to leave or not,” Hunt said.

“It’s more about my future and how much longer I’ve got left in this game. I’m 34 now and have played a hell of a lot of footy.

Ben Hunt's honest contract admission.

“While I’m still enjoying my footy it’s not getting easier, I don’t want to rush into anything.”

However, with the Dragons in the midst of a roster rebuild, Hunt is under no illusions the club will be hoping for an answer sooner rather than later.

“I definitely don’t think (I’ll make my decision) next year, it will be before that, the club’s I think in a position where they are looking to grow and make some moves in our roster to bring some players in.

“So I don’t want to leave them in limbo for too long.

“So I will get that sorted out at some stage, but I just want to not rush into something that I’m not 100 per cent in.”

Ben Hunt is weighing up his next move. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)

Hunt’s potential contract extension could complete a huge turnaround after his widely publicised attempts to leave the club in 2023.

The Maroons superstar requested a release from his contract, desperate to join a new club for the 2024 season before a meeting with Flanagan changed his mind.

Explaining his reasons behind his shock move, Hunt remained tight-lipped.

“There was a lot of things to be honest and a lot of things I’d rather not say … but there was a lot of things off the field.

“A lot of promises weren’t kept and it got to a point where I was pretty frustrated with what was going on. I definitely didn’t handle it in the right way.

“It got out and what went on it put a dark light over the club … it happened and things have improved a lot since then, it’s definitely a better place.”

However, now Hunt explained he’s confident the club is “heading in the right direction” and the Dragons are on the verge of a top-eight finish in 2024.

“Definitely mate, there’s a lot more energy around the club, there’s a lot more belief. Obviously we still have a lot to work on.

“But yeah it’s heading in the right direction … as a footy player and professional athlete you want to win and be competitive first and foremost.

“Then to get all the outside noise and pressure and media, family and friends asking questions, why isn’t so and so working or doing this.

“It takes a massive toll on you and there’s different periods you go through where you start second guessing what you’re doing … it’s been a pretty tough period.

“There’s a lot less noise around the club, we are sort of just going about our business and trying to improve the club.”

Originally published as Ben Hunt’s honest admission as huge Dragons NRL contract decision looms