League great Greg Alexander calls Ben Hunt ‘one of the worst signings in the history of the game’

While the St George Illawarra Dragons have eased pressure, an NRL legend has taken aim at “one of the worst signings in the history of the game”.

Ben Hunt has learned it’s hard to dodge criticism when you’re on the big bucks.

The St George Dragons have eased some pressure in recent weeks after a complete debacle in the return from the coronavirus pandemic suspension.

No tries in the club’s first two games back put immense pressure on coach Paul McGregor, but the side has somewhat turned it around with wins over the Sharks and Titans before staying in the game for plenty of time against the back-to-back champions the Roosters.

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One of the big things that has changed in that time is the role of Ben Hunt. Demoted from starting halfback to the bench, Hunt has been performing well in the position he plays for Queensland.

But after signing a five-year $1.2 million deal with the Dragons in 2017, St George could feel aggrieved by the lack of value they’ve received from a star who takes up such a substantial chunk of the salary cap.

Speaking on Fox League before the game against the Canberra Raiders, Panthers legend and former halfback Greg Alexander said, “The formula is working so why change it”.

But he quickly moved on to the role of Hunt.

“There’s a lot to talk about Ben Hunt, he’s their million-dollar man, he’s coming off the bench,” Alexander said.

“But if it’s working and he’s playing well, you don’t change it because he’s on a lot of money.”

Host Jessica Yates pointed out that it’s “a million-dollar halfback on the bench coming in at hooker”.

“It’s whatever works,” Alexander responded.

“They were at the lowest of lows. They came back and were beaten 18-0 by the Warriors and then the following week didn’t score a try against the Dogs — they got beaten 22-2. You can’t get any worse than that. It needed to be changed.”

Corey Parker added: “The big plus for me though is that Ben Hunt has got on with his job. Every time he’s come off the bench, he’s not kicking stones, he’s actually made a real impact, particularly in his first game off the bench, scored a try, set a couple up. His value of the team is actually better coming off the bench, the team get more out of him in that regard. Clune’s doing his job, Norman’s found what his role is, and Dufty and the team’s getting some success.”

Ben Hunt has been playing better but he wasn’t signed to be a bench hooker.

In his past three matches, Hunt has been getting 57 minutes as a hooker with captain Cameron McInnes shifting into the back row.

But Alexander said the point is the Dragons brought him in to be the club’s star halfback and is now playing a role worth less on the open market — a deal the Dragons may not have shelled out on if they had a crystal ball.

“Let’s go back a couple of years, signing Ben Hunt for $1.2 million a year for six years was one of the worst signings in the history of the game because now he’s coming off the bench at dummy half — but he’s doing a good job,” Alexander said.

Kangaroos and former Queensland coach Mal Meninga argued Alexander’s point, saying, “It’s not a 13-man game, it’s a 17-man game”.

“Ben Hunt’s best position for the Dragons at the moment is at 14 and he’s a very valuable 14,” the Immortal said.

“If something happens to one of their halves he can go and play in the halves. They’re utilising him really well. I love the combo of him coming on, his ability to clean up and be on the ball is fantastic.”

While he came off the bench again against the Raiders in Canberra, he couldn’t inspire his side to a victory, with the Dragons coming home strongly but falling 22-16 in freezing conditions in the nation’s capital.