Tanah Boyd move sparks fresh Ben Hunt theory

A young playmaker has signed a new deal to join the NZ Warriors, a move that has led to speculation that Ben Hunt could replace him.

The Warriors have signed Tanah Boyd for the next two seasons after the halfback fell out of favour at the Titans, but his departure is unlikely to play a significant role in Ben Hunt’s future landing spot given Gold Coast has solid options in the halves for 2025.

Boyd played 69 games for the Titans across six years but was held to just two appearances from round 10 onwards last season, with Kieran Foran and Jayden Campbell emerging as the preferred playmaking duo.

Boyd, 24, now gets another opportunity in New Zealand where he’s one of several options to partner Luke Metcalf in the halves following veteran Shaun Johnson’s retirement.

Tanah Boyd is hoping for more opportunities at the Warriors after struggling for game time at the Titans last season. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

“There’s so much to like about the direction of the club, from Webby (coach Andrew Webster) to the fans and the support the team gets here (in New Zealand),” Boyd said.

“There’s been plenty of players who have come this way (Australia to New Zealand) in the past and in recent times who have proven that if you buy in you can make an impact and that’s certainly what I plan on doing.”

Boyd will likely fight it out with Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita for the right to partner Metcalf, who was terrific at times in 2024, only for a serious leg injury to keep him sidelined for several months.

Ben Hunt is unlikely to replace Boyd at the Titans as he searches for a new club. Picture: NRL Photos

“Tanah’s arrival will create healthy competition among our halves,” Webster said.

“He brings a great kicking game, strong game management skills and he’s also a proven goal kicker. We’re really looking forward to having him at our club.”

The move comes on the back of Hunt being released by the Dragons effective immediately, but the two appear unlinked given the Titans have depth in the halves with AJ Brimson and Carter Gordon also options, while they also paid big bucks to get Reagan Campbell-Gillard from the Eels.

Hunt has been linked with moves to the Titans, Broncos, Dolphins and Bulldogs — the 35-year-old is keen on a return to Queensland.

Originally published as Tanah Boyd move sparks fresh Ben Hunt theory