‘Every club would’: Broncos fume at NRL over Hunt accusation as RLPA slams Dragons’ hypocrisy

The Broncos are furious with the NRL after being sent a ‘please explain’ regarding their dealings with Dragons captain Ben Hunt.

Dave Donaghy, Ben Hunt and Clint Newton.

The Broncos are furious with the NRL over a Ben Hunt “please explain” for negotiations they deny as the RLPA called out the hypocrisy of clubs denying release requests from players.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported three Queensland clubs, including the Broncos have received an email from NRL salary cap auditor Matt Faulkner, seeking any correspondence they may have had with Hunt.

The Dragons asked the NRL to investigate rival clubs speaking with Hunt after he requested an immediate release with two and a half years remaining on his contract, citing a desire to return home to Queensland.

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The Broncos are furious to be involved in the investigation, given they maintain they have not spoken to Hunt and noted that several clubs have approached their players while under contract in recent times.

Former Broncos player Karl Oloapu was eventually released to the Bulldogs for a $500,000 transfer fee, while current Brisbane players Deine Mariner was targeted by the Dolphins and Jock Madden was linked to the Tigers just this week.

Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy denied Brisbane had any contact with Hunt, despite comments from coach Kevin Walters that they would be interested if he came off contract.

“There haven’t been any negotiations with Ben, and we’re not in for him because he’s not off contract,” Broncos chief Dave Donaghy said.

Ben Hunt wants out of the Dragons to return to Queensland.

“I saw Kevvy’s quotes about Ben, which basically said nobody had spoken to him, but if a player like that was off contract, the club would consider him. Every club would.”

The latest developments came as Rugby League Player’s Association boss Clint Newton called out NRL clubs for a lack of compassion when it came to release requests.

Newton argued clubs often look to offload players mid-contract when they want to go in a different direction, which is essentially what Hunt is trying to do by returning to Queensland for family reasons.

“I understand and support the concept that when you agree to a contract, you must sign it with the intent to finish it, but circumstances change - it’s no different to any other industry,” Newton told Wide World of Sports.

CEO Dave Donaghy denies the Broncos have spoken to Ben Hunt.

“But for every player that asks for a release, I can give you 10 who get tapped on the shoulder by clubs and told they are no longer wanted - even though they are under contract.

“And often the player will say ‘I’m happy here, I don’t want to go… but what are my chances of playing first grade here now if they don’t want me?’

Clint Newton called out the hypocrisy of clubs denying release requests.

“The clubs can make it difficult for the player to stay - they have all the power. You’d like to hope they can work it out but if they can’t, they should show Ben some compassion.

“He has given great service and wants to go home to Queensland. He’s put his heart and soul into the club but he’s clearly disappointed with the club’s direction.

“His performances speak volumes for his character. In a volatile environment, he’s been their star performer.

“He is well within his rights to ask questions about the direction of the club. Clearly there is an issue he wants resolved.

“If he wants out, it can only happen by mutual agreement.”

Originally published as ‘Every club would’: Broncos fume at NRL over Hunt accusation as RLPA slams Dragons’ hypocrisy