NRL 2024: Ben Hunt could move to Titans after scathing Dragons post-season review

Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has broken his silence on a scathing post-season review of Ben Hunt that could see the under fire star offloaded to an Queensland rival.

Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has broken his silence on a scathing post-season review of Ben Hunt that could see the under fire Queensland Origin star offloaded to the Titans.

This masthead understands the Gold Coast have re-emerged as a possible home for Hunt after NRL Immortal Andrew Johns declared the embattled skipper would not be at the Dragons in 2025.

Hunt has been linked with the Titans for 12 months and his mooted transfer appeared to have been scuppered at the start of this season after he smoked the peace pipe with the Dragons following Flanagan’s arrival as coach.

But Hunt’s future at the Red V is under a fresh cloud following a Dragons post-mortem that fingered their $6 million halfback for failing to lead the club to this year’s finals.

Dragons star Ben Hunt faces an uncertain future at the club, after a scathing post-season review from coach Shane Flanagan. Picture: Getty Images

Titans coach Des Hasler is desperate for a top quality No.7 and it’s understood the Dragons would not stand in the way of Hunt moving to the Gold Coast if they could secure another player of desired value.

Speculation is rife the Titans are open to a two-year contract lifeline and the fallout from the Dragons’ shocking late-season collapse could trigger the 34-year-old’s Red V exit.

Flanagan spoke to this masthead on Thursday night to address suggestions the Dragons skipper copped brickbats as part of a candid post-season review.

“His review was fine, not that I have to tell anyone about our private conversations,” Flanagan said.

“We discussed the team’s form and his own form.

“He’s contracted to be here next year and nothing has changed.”

Flanagan blew up at Hunt after their Round 26 loss to Parramatta which cost the Dragons a spot in the finals

Hunt had an animated conversation with Flanagan in the sheds after his side’s capitulation against Parramatta a fortnight ago, with the coach later dismissing talk of a rift.

However, it was the most significant sign yet of cracks between Flanagan and Hunt, who has been a longstanding target for the Titans after they were linked with him at the end of last season.

On that occasion, the Dragons dug in their heels, rejecting a release, but Channel 9 commentator Johns reignited the rumour mill on Thursday on his weekly podcast when he suggested Hunt wouldn’t be at the club next season.

Johns claimed the Titans would create room in their cap by allowing hooker Sam Verrills to return to the Sydney Roosters.

Asked if Hunt would be at St George Illawarra in 2025, Johns said bluntly: “No.

“I’ve heard Sam Verrills may be going back to the Roosters … have a look at Brandon Smith, he won’t play until mid-next year.

“So that opens the way for Ben Hunt to go to the Titans.

“Because Ben Hunt has been (saying) the last couple of years ‘I want to go back to Queensland’.

“Yeah, I do (think they will let him go).”

Titans coach Des Hasler is desperate for a top quality halfback. Picture: Getty Images

Hasler did not return calls on Thursday night but the Titans are facing a scrumbase crisis. Veteran playmaker Kieran Foran is expected to retire at the end of 2025, while Tanah Boyd is on the outer and Wallabies convert Carter Gordon is unproven in the halves.

The answer could be Hunt, a veteran of 334 NRL games who purchased a $2.7 million property in the Byron Bay hinterland in May, fuelling talk he was headed to the Gold Coast.

Flanagan confirmed Hunt remains a free agent for 2026, by which time the Test utility would be 36 years old.

“We haven’t made an offer beyond next year – so how can we withdraw it,” he said.

“We always planned to talk next year after the pre-season.

“The communication lines are open between the club and Ben.”

Asked before State of Origin I this year if he had closed the door on a Queensland homecoming at the Titans, Hunt said: “Mate, I am not closing the door on anything at all.

“At the moment, I’m happy at the Dragons and we’ll work through it.”

The bumbling Titans finished in the bottom four again this year and Hunt’s experience could help trigger a Gold Coast revival in the coming seasons.