NRL 2023: Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has renewed confidence Ben Hunt will see out his contract

A truce has been declared in the war between Ben Hunt and the Dragons, but neither party is happy for the status quo to continue for much longer.

Ben Hunt has been denied a release. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty

St George Illawarra have ruled out a release for Ben Hunt to return to Brisbane with incoming coach Shane Flanagan declaring renewed confidence that the captain and halfback will back down from wanting to walk out on the club.

Hunt held a 90-minute meeting with chief executive Ryan Webb, chairman Andrew Lancaster and Flanagan on Monday morning at St George Leagues Club, where he outlined his issues with club powerbrokers.

It is understood Hunt was told at that meeting that the club expected him to honour the remainder of his contract, which runs until the end of 2025 and is worth upwards of $1.7 million over the next two seasons.

Ben Hunt has been denied a release. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty

In return, the Dragons hierarchy vowed to work through Hunt’s grievances in an attempt to convince their captain and halfback to honour the remaining two years of his contract.

“It was a real positive meeting from the club’s perspective and hopefully from Ben,’’ Flanagan told 2GB.

“There was a lot of frustration (from Hunt) and you look at the competition table and you can understand where the frustration comes from.

“Ben’s a winner, he wants the club to do well and he’s been frustrated over the last couple of years.

“Obviously he lost a person that was close to him in Anthony Griffin (former Dragons coach) as a mentor, which affected Ben.

“He had some frustrations that he pointed out to the club and both of us walked out of there pretty positive - definitely I did, that we can move forward.

“There was never any doubt that Ben didn’t want to play (against the Sharks) this weekend and last weekend (against the Warriors).

“He wanted to go to training today and I was really impressed by his approach today.

Asked if it were tenable that he play for the Dragons in the local derby against Cronulla, Flanagan replied: “Ben said he had some concerns about the club moving forward and some issues in the past and we addressed those today.

“So I’d like to think both of us walk out of that meeting a little bit happier with where things are heading.

“Ben’s priorities are his teammates. He was clear on wanting to play this week.

“I see him as a big part of what we’re going to do next year. I thought today was really productive.

Asked if he still felt Hunt would remain at the club, Flanagan replied: “Without a doubt, yep. I’ve got true belief that the club will work hard between now and November to fix up some of the concerns that Ben may have had in recruitment and retention.

“I think Ben and his management walk out a little bit clearer.’’

Hunt was given the day off training but will return to the club on Wednesday and is expected to play against Cronulla on Thursday night.

The Dragons released a statement following the meeting in which Hunt indicated he would play against the Sharks, although he also suggested there was more work to do.

“I appreciated the open and honest discussion and will continue to work alongside the club and now focus on our game against the Sharks this Thursday night,” Hunt said.

Hunt’s future has been in doubt for some days, having been linked with an immediate return to Brisbane before a move to the Gold Coast at the end of the season.

A return to the Broncos would have given him the opportunity to challenge for a premiership this season, although talk of a mid-season switch was quickly dismissed on Monday.

It is understood Hunt distanced himself from an immediate change of clubs given his children are entrenched in school in Sydney and a mid-season switch would be too much of a disruption to his family.

The hope was that Monday’s meeting would clear the air between both parties and it is understood Hunt expressed his frustrations at the club’s progress on and off the field during talks with key figures at the Dragons.

Shane Flanagan needs to show Hunt he has the club moving in the right direction Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

In response, he was given assurances at the meeting that the club and Flanagan would keep him in the loop as they attempt to rebuild the once-mighty Red V, who have found themselves battling in recent seasons.

Flanagan has made no secret of his desire to build his side around Hunt as he views his skipper and halfback as a key recruitment tool in much the same way Paul Gallen was when he built a premiership-winning side at the Sharks.

His challenge is to convince Hunt. At the age of 33, Hunt is running out of time to win a title. Flanagan’s job will be to now show Hunt that the Dragons are heading in the right direction.

It is understood the captaincy was not discussed at Monday’s meeting and the parties have agreed to keep an open dialogue as they look to ease their respective concerns.

“The club listened to Ben’s concerns and is committed to working with him throughout the remainder of his playing contract as both Ben and the club share a common goal of winning football games and building a successful football club,” Webb said.

The Dragons’ desire to keep Hunt is no doubt amplified by the lack of halves on the open market. There is a view in some quarters that allowing him to leave would free up money to bring in more talent and immediately strengthen the squad.

Originally published as NRL 2023: Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has renewed confidence Ben Hunt will see out his contract