By Michael Chammas
Dragons captain Ben Hunt has told St George Illawarra powerbrokers he does not want an immediate release from the club despite reports linking him to the Broncos for the remainder of the season.
Hunt met with Dragons officials on Monday to discuss his request for a release from his contract. Sources with knowledge of the meeting told this masthead that one of the first things Hunt said was that he did not want to abandon the team mid-season, and that his request for a release related to years 2024 and 2025 of his contract with the club.
Ben Hunt has been linked to a three-month cameo with Brisbane.Credit: Getty
The Dragons are now keen to move on, but this masthead understands the parties have agreed to revisit the release request at the end of the season if Hunt still feels strongly about leaving the joint venture.
Hunt raised several concerns during the meeting with Dragons chief executive officer Ryan Webb, chairman Andrew Lancaster and incoming coach Shane Flanagan. Many revolved around the team’s inability to be competitive.
During the meeting, the Dragons, who had already rejected Hunt’s request, listened to his frustrations but reiterated that he would not be granted a release.
The Dragons sacked Hunt’s close confidant Anthony Griffin last month after a run of six straight defeats, before appointing premiership-winning ex-Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan as his successor.
Hunt requested a release from his deal last week and has expressed a desire to return home to Queensland. It was reported that Hunt’s preference had been to join the Brisbane Broncos for the rest of the season before linking up with the Gold Coast Titans from 2024.
With Flanagan now at the helm, the Dragons – who currently sit bottom of the NRL ladder – want time to show Hunt they have a road map to get out of their predicament. The club has pledged to change key systems and personnel at the club to improve the performance of the team.
Brisbane contacted the Dragons over the weekend to inform them that they would be interested in discussing a deal for Hunt if St George Illawarra agreed to a release, but Hunt’s willingness to remain at the Red V for at least the end of the season puts the Titans in the box seat for his signature.
Hunt was given Monday off and is expected at training for the team’s captain’s run on Wednesday before the match against arch rivals Cronulla on Thursday night.
The Dragons issued a statement admitting Hunt had explained the frustrations that led him to request a release.
“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.
Hunt said: “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.”
Dragons players and staff were called to a meeting on Monday morning, where they were challenged by interim coach Ryan Carr over the team’s poor performance against the Warriors.
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