St George Illawarra’s Ben Hunt says coach Anthony Griffin is ‘probably gone’ if Dragons start poorly

The Dragons head into the off-season looking dangerously like a club in crisis - and star Ben Hunt has his say on coach Anthony Griffin’s future, and that of a close teammate.

Ben Hunt and Anthony Griffin.

The future success of not only the Dragons rests in Ben Hunt’s hands but also the long-term position of coach Anthony Griffin.

In a wide-ranging interview fresh from inking a new two-year extension at St George Illawarra, Hunt spoke about Griffin’s job security, why he won’t play hooker for the Dragons and the club’s long-term success.

GRIFFIN’S JOB

Hunt has produced his best football under Griffin. He has won back-to-back player of the year awards at the club and was close to securing the Dally M medal. Hunt wanted a Griffin-clause in his contract which the club knocked back. But he knows Griffin’s position is under scrutiny.

“If we start the year strongly they’ll look at extending him,” Hunt said. “If we start poorly he is probably gone. That’s just back onto us players and staff to start the year well. Everyone is aware of it. It is no secret. We need to get it done.”

Ben Hunt and Isaah Yeo in Kangaroos camp. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

HOOKER RELUCTANCE

Hunt left with the rest of the Kangaroos squad on Thursday night. He will pack down at hooker for Australia after a successful Origin series where he will share the role with Harry Grant. But Hunt has no plans of wearing the No.9 jersey for St George Illawarra.

“I’m trying to prolong my career,” Hunt said.

“The way I’ve always thought about it is that I enjoy the challenge of playing No.7. I find it mentally more challenging. I like that aspect of the game. No.9 is more physically demanding but mentally I find it more simple.

“That’s why I’ve always liked to play halfback. I like directing the team around.

“Every time I talk to (Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga) he is telling me to tape my head and wear shoulder pads. It doesn’t seem like I’m going anywhere but the middle. I really enjoy it at a rep level.

“You can come in and focus on yourself.”

One hooker who has attracted criticism is close friend Andrew McCullough. There were suggestions the veteran Dragons rake would retire but Hunt has urged him to play on.

Ben Hunt enjoyed a standout season.

“I want Macca to go around,” Hunt said of McCullough. “It’s understated what he has done for our team. He has been a good connection for our guys in the middle having an old head. We aren’t young anymore and obviously we’re slowing down a bit. His decision making and where the ball has to go is underestimated this year.”

DRAGON SUCCESS

Despite Hunt’s standout season the Dragons again missed the top eight.

“It is a bit of a funny one,” Hunt said. “On one hand I’m very proud and happy with how I played and what I achieved. On the other hand it’s tough that we didn’t make the finals and you want to win some more games.

“We are going in the right direction. The experience we have in the team and the extra year for those young guys to develop. Guys like Cody Ramsey, Junior Amone and Mat Feagai came on really well at the back end of the year.”