NRL 2025: Dragons coach Shane Flanagan addresses Ben Hunt rumours, Clint Gutherson pursuit

Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has lifted the lid on how the Ben Hunt contract saga will unfold, revealed where Valentine Holmes will play and addressed links to Eels star Clint Gutherson in a wide-ranging interview.

Saints captain Ben Hunt will return for pre-season training in January while Eels skipper Clint Gutherson would be the perfect fullback mentor for Dragons prodigy Tyrell Sloan.

That’s the opinion of St George-Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan who has ridiculed any suggestion of a rift between he and Hunt by confirming it was the club’s decision to allow the 34-year-old to chase offers for 2026 – not his.

Flanagan even went so far to say that he was “filthy” over reports that Hunt was on the end of a scathing post-season review.

In a wide-ranging interview, Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has addressed the Ben Hunt contract saga, the club’s pursuit of Clint Gutherson and more. Picture: Getty Images

“I was filthy because I know it’s not true,” Flanagan said.

“There were three people in that meeting with me and (assistant coach) Dean Young (and Hunt).

“And I can guarantee you Dean Young hasn’t spoken to anyone.

“He’s managed by the same company as Ben. And I haven’t spoken to anyone.

“What went on in player reviews and staff reviews, is our business.

“People can speculate on what they thought went on in the review, but, it didn’t come from this end.”

HUNTING SEASON

Hunt – who turns 35 in March and is off-contract at the end of 2025 at the Dragons – said that he felt the club wasn’t “overly keen to keep me” in a recent interview with this masthead.

It has led to almost daily reports of Hunt being linked to rival clubs.

At this stage, the veteran halfback is without an offer for 2026.

In a wide-ranging interview, Flanagan said he wanted Hunt at the club next season.

Flanagan says he expects Ben Hunt to honour his contract for 2025. Picture: NRL Imagery

“Yeah, I do, he’s our halfback,’’ Flanagan said.

“I expect him to be here. I understand, with his career, he’s looking beyond 2025. And I accept that he’s got to look after himself and his family.

“The club has made a decision that he could go and explore avenues for 2026, a little bit earlier (than November 1).

“I think it’s been a mountain out of a molehill. There’s lots of other players (off contract). Daly Cherry-Evans is an example, he’s off-contract in 2026.

“He’s a very similar age to Ben and he’s going to see how the season unfolds, how the pre-season goes.

“Ben’s in a different situation. He wants to play again at the moment, in 2026. And I respect that.

“But from a club’s perspective, the club’s made the decision. Not me, not Shane Flanagan.

“We expect him to honour his contract.

“He had a good year. The whole club fell down in the last three rounds, not Ben Hunt.

“He needs a break and we’re expecting him back in January.’’

Flanagan and Hunt were involved in a heated discussion after their Round 26 loss to Parramatta.

KING GUTHO

Out of respect to Gutherson deciding if he wants to leave Parramatta, the Dragons are yet to table a formal offer for the Parramatta fullback, who has been given permission to look at his options for 2026.

If Gutherson decides he wants to join the Dragons in 2026, it’s anticipated the Eels would grant him an immediate release for next season.

Gutherson is expected to make a call in coming days.

The Gutherson decision also impacts the Dragons interest in Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr, of which has fallen flat after his management asked for a three-year deal.

The Dragons were only willing offer two years – and even still, that would only be forthcoming if Gutherson declines St George-Illawarra’s interest.

Flanagan says the club is yet to field a formal offer to Clint Gutherson, but admits he would love to have the Eels fullback at the Dragons. Picture: Getty Images

“I have no idea whether he’ll (Gutherson) be at our club next year,’’ Flanagan said.

“The conversation with Clint and his management has been really clear.

“He’s been the captain of that club (Eels). And to me, he’s been such a good player for a long period of time.

“(I said), if you decide to leave, if you want to leave, come and talk to us.

“He’s away with his family on holidays at the moment. Has he made that decision yet? No.

“But if he does make that decision, that he wants to leave, we would love to be in that queue to get him.

“I think he’d bring leadership. He’s been the captain of a big, powerful club like the Dragons are.

“He’s still a quality player. He played last year, at the back end of the year with broken ribs and knee injury.

“We don’t want him to play injured, but that’s the sort of person he is.

“I think he’d be great for Tyrell Sloan. For Tyrell to see the way that he trains and prepares and plays, it would be great for him as well.’’

COOK AND HOLMES

Flanagan said the acquisition of former Test, NSW Origin and Rabbitohs hooker Damien Cook alongside Test, QLD Origin and Cowboys centre Valentine Holmes would prove huge both on and off the field for the Dragons in 2025.

“Damien was an Australian and Origin player not long ago and I’d like to get him back into that arena,’’ Flanagan said.

Flanagan says the signing of Damien Cook can help the Dragons on and off the field in 2025. Picture: Getty Images

“To have rep players in your squad is always something that I’ve felt that you need at least four or five to make a real dent in the competition.

“You saw that when I was at the Sharks. You have four or five Origin players, you’re going to play in the semi finals.

“Cookie is one of those.

“What he brings on the field everyone sees weekly, but for us, where we are as a club, it’s what he brings off the field.

“It’s his leadership and experience and training. Just in the locker room, it’s going to be valuable.

Flanagan with Holmes at the Cronulla Sharks in 2016. Picture: NRL Imagery

Asked where Holmes would play, Flanagan said: “He’s our left centre.

“Fullback he could probably handle, but it’s a different role.

“And he’s been in the centres for a couple of years now and I thought he’s made a real fist of it.

“He had some challenges defensively early on. But he’s a leading try scorer in the NRL and barring injury, he probably would have played for Australia this year.”

2025 FINALS

At a breakfast to unveil the Dragons new logo for all their digital assets on Friday, Flanagan conceded he was left disappointed that his team finished eleventh and failed to secure a finals berth after needing to win two of their least three matches of the 2024 season.

Flanagan says he was disappointed the Dragons missed out on finals in 2024, but believes his side took massive steps in the right direction. Picture: Jane Dempster

“We made some massive steps in the right direction last season,” Flanagan said.

“But in the end we fell at the final hurdle. That was disappointing.

“We put ourselves in a position to win two of our last three matches and we’d be in the top eight.

“We need to make sure that we don’t put ourselves in a must-win situation at the back end.

“To set ourselves up and play finals is definitely my expectation.’’

Originally published as NRL 2025: Dragons coach Shane Flanagan addresses Ben Hunt rumours, Clint Gutherson pursuit