NRL 2023 Market Watch: Titans’ big-money play for Dragons star Ben Hunt

Disgruntled Dragons halfback Ben Hunt could be lured back to Queensland following revelations of a big-money approach to sign the Maroons State of Origin star.

The Titans have made a secret approach to Ben Hunt armed with a $900,000 deal as the Maroons and Dragons star left the door ajar for a return to Queensland.

News Corp can reveal the Gold Coast have made fresh inquiries with Hunt, who conceded he was seriously weighing up his future at the Red V in the lead-up to Origin II on Wednesday night at Suncorp Stadium.

The appointment of new Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has provided more clarity for Hunt and the premiership-winning former Sharks mentor is expected to guarantee the Maroons ace the No. 7 jumper next season.

But that may not be enough to keep the Queensland Origin match-winner at the Red V following a shambolic few years for the former powerhouse franchise.

The Titans initially expressed interest in Hunt last year before dropping off the 33-year-old when he inked a two-season extension with the Dragons until the end of 2025.

But the Dragons’ internal crisis this season, coupled with Hunt’s public concerns about the direction of the club, prompted the Titans to make inquiries about luring the former Bronco to the Gold Coast.

Will Ben Hunt see out his Dragons contract? Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty

The Titans have the funds to pay Hunt just shy of $1 million-a-season and that may be enough to convince the Maroons hooker to return home.

Hunt, who has also been linked with the Bulldogs, confirmed to News Corp he fielded an informal approach from the Titans last month and he would consider finishing his career in Queensland.

“It’s good the club’s (Dragons) come to an agreement with someone and they can move on now,” he said from Camp Maroon on Thursday.

“That’s the good side of it, they’ve finally got there and everyone can move on.

“I think (Flanagan) is what they needed. He’s obviously shown he can do it before. He’s won premierships and knows what it takes to build a good team and successful club.

“I really haven’t made any decisions on (my future) yet. I haven’t talked to ‘Flanno’ or anyone since the decisions were made.

Ben Hunt at Maroons training. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty

“There’s always a couple of clubs interested that have thrown their hat in the ring. I’m not going to go into too many details.

“I haven’t had any official offers or anything from anyone at all. At the moment I’m contracted to the Dragons.

“I will say I enjoy the weather up here. Getting around in the mornings with no jumpers on is pretty nice. I’m a Queensland boy at heart and have always loved the weather up here but that’s only part of it, isn’t it?

“It’s hard to say (if I’d return to Queensland). The career is coming to an end pretty quickly. I’ve only got a few years left.

“I’d never say no, that’s for sure. I love Queensland, I grew up here and will definitely come back here after footy, that’s for sure.”

The Titans have pieced together a strong squad under coach Justin Holbrook over the past four seasons, but a halfback of Hunt’s pedigree would undoubtedly help Gold Coast in its pursuit of a maiden premiership.

Hunt, who played in Brisbane’s losing 2015 NRL grand final team, said he wanted to finish his career at No. 7 and a premiership was his ultimate goal.

“I’ve always made it clear I’d like to play halfback at club level,” the Maroons No. 9 said.

“Flanno understands that and said if I was there that’s where he’d want me to play.

Ben Hunt left the Broncos at the end of the 2017 season. Picture: AAP/Julian Smith

“There’s a lot of things that go into making a decision. A premiership’s one of them.”

Titans prop Mo Fotuaika urged Hunt to consider spearheading a premiership charge at the Gold Coast.

“I would definitely love to see Ben Hunt at the Titans,” he said.

“We all know what kind of player Ben Hunt is, he goes to another level in these big Origin games and he also has that experience that would be great for us.

“We are a young team at the Titans and he would give us experience. I’m not too sure what happens, I will leave it to the bosses at the Titans to take care of that, but I would love to see him at the Titans.”

Asked if he would like to play with Hunt at the Titans, Gold Coast and Maroons teammate David Fifita said: “Who wouldn’t want Ben Hunt?

“It’s the first I’ve heard of it (Hunt going to the Titans), but you know how this game works.

“Hunty is a great team player and a good person to be around.

“He is such a tremendous player. He works hard, he does what needs to be done and does all the dirty work. He is just a competitor and that’s what I like about him.”

Originally published as NRL 2023 Market Watch: Titans’ big-money play for Dragons star Ben Hunt