Misfiring Dragons half Ben Hunt may get run at hooker against Sharks
Dragons coach Paul McGregor looks set to take some of the heat off Ben Hunt by giving him some time at hooker against Cronulla.
St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor looks set to take some of the heat off Ben Hunt by giving him some time at hooker against Cronulla on Sunday night.
Hunt has been struggling for form of late but rather than drop his $6 million man, McGregor is believed to be open to giving him a stint at dummy half.
Captain Cameron McInnes did little to douse the speculation on Thursday when asked whether he expected Hunt to spent some time at hooker.
“We will just have to wait and see what happens on the weekend hey,” McInnes said.
Pressed on whether his response could be interpreted as confirmation of the impending move, McInnes said: “You can take that any way you want. No answer.”
Hunt has one try assist to his name this season and his form has prompted suggestions he should be given a break for his own good.
McGregor has backed Hunt to regain his form but time is fast running out given the calls for change at the club due to their winless start to the year.
The Sharks present the latest hurdle and it shapes as an intriguing match-up for Hunt given the No 6 on the other team – Shaun Johnson – has also been accused of inconsistency this season.
Dragons forward Trent Merrin urged Hunt to simplify his approach to the game.
“When things are going bad, they are not as bad as you think they are going,” Merrin said.
“We tend to overthink things in tough times. Benny is a great player, he has played at all levels. We need to strip it back, build a base.
“Once we do have a base the talent in each individual will start to shine through. Benny has done it all.
“Sometimes when these things happen you need to step back and realise what you have done in the game.”
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