Ben Hunt’s tumultuous stint at St George Illawarra finally came to an end, via a mutual agreement, on Wednesday.
Hunt has walked away from a deal worth in excess of $900,000 for 2025, giving the Dragons plenty of money to spend on a potential replacement.
Hunt, meanwhile, is now on the lookout for a new home in a development that has put prospective clubs on notice.
Here’s what could happen next for Hunt and for the Dragons.
Where to for Hunt?
Dolphins
There is a strong chance this could happen. Tonga half Isaiya Katoa is undoubtedly the future at Redcliffe and having Ben Hunt alongside him would give the NRL’s newest club a potent halves pairing. The Dolphins, who also have Kiwis half Kodi Nikorima on their books, would need to move on players to accommodate Hunt.
“The Dolphins have always said that we are interested in good players that are available,” said Dolphins CEO Terry Reader. “We only learned of the situation regarding Ben Hunt from the media this morning and have not had any contact with him or his management in relation to him coming to the Dolphins. However, we are sure if he is interested in speaking to us, we will hear from his management.”
On the move: former Dragon Ben Hunt.Credit: NRL Photos
Roosters
This would make a lot of sense. Veteran playmaker Luke Keary has left the club, halfback Sam Walker will miss a huge chunk of 2025 as he recovers from an ACL injury and Sandon Smith is still finding his feet as an NRL half. The Roosters have signed Chad Townsend, but the premiership-winning No.7 could not make it into the Cowboys side at the end of last year.
Connor Watson could easily slot into the halves but the Blues star provides more value to the side at lock or hooker.
The Roosters are the only team that wouldn’t have to shift players to accommodate Hunt after they parted company with Joseph Manu, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Keary, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Sitili Tupouniua.
Broncos
What a redemption story it would be if Hunt returned to Red Hill. So much hinges on what happens to Ezra Mam, who is the subject of a police investigation over his involvement in a car accident. If he ends up being charged with an offence and a subsequent NRL sanction, then the door would be open for Hunt to finish in Brisbane.
Hunt has the added advantage of being able to shift into hooker should Mam return or another long-term playmaking option emerge. If this is to be veteran halfback Adam Reynolds’ last year, a two-year deal for Hunt could help with the transition into a new era. However, the Broncos would probably have to lose one of their star centres, Selwyn Cobbo or Kotoni Staggs, to free up the required salary-cap space.
Bulldogs
Canterbury’s general manager of football Phil Gould is a big fan of Ben Hunt, which is why there have been a number of meetings between the pair in recent times. The word out of Belmore, however, is that coach Cameron Ciraldo wants to go in a different direction. Toby Sexton has grown into the halfback role, although it remains to be seen whether he can become an elite No.7. Young guns Mitchell Woods and Casius Tia might still be 12 months away and while Hunt would be the ideal bridging player for 2025, a two-year deal could hold the youngsters back.
Warriors
The club is looking for a replacement for halfback Shaun Johnson and Hunt’s experience would be invaluable. According to sources speaking anonymously due to the confidential nature of discussions, the Warriors are talking with Gold Coast’s Tanah Boyd. But that was before Hunt became available.
Titans
The Gold Coast were desperate to get Hunt 12 months ago when he first asked for a release but the shift won’t happen now. Any available salary cap money has been used on Regan Campbell-Gillard and while Tanah Boyd is on the move, coach Des Hasler has halves options Kieran Foran, Jayden Campbell, AJ Brimson and Carter Gordon at his disposal.
Rabbitohs
If you added Ben Hunt to the South Sydney spine, they would instantly become premiership contenders. However, a lack of salary-cap space means it just can’t happen. The club has invested in Lewis Dodd at halfback and is determined to make it work.
Eels
New coach Jason Ryles is looking for a hooker and Ben Hunt is a representative-class No.9. However, even if Clint Gutherson moves to the Dragons, there’s no suggestion of a swap.
Where to for the Dragons?
Sean O’Sullivan
He’s contracted to the Dolphins but a switch is an option should the NRL’s newest franchise snare Hunt. O’Sullivan shares the same manager as coach Shane Flanagan and is an ideal bridging player until the Dragons can land a big name.
Clint Gutherson
Dragons officials met with Gutherson and his agent on Wednesday in a bid to formalise a three-year deal. The development will result in Gutherson seeking an immediate release from the Eels.
Daniel Atkinson/Braydon Trindall
It’s hard to see how the Sharks can accommodate long term both Atkinson and Trindall, who will both be free agents on November 1. The Red V could be ready to pounce immediately on the one who is unable to come to terms at Cronulla.
Adam Doueihi
Is signed to Wests Tigers, but the arrival of Jarome Luai and the emergence of Lachlan Galvin means there’s no spot in the halves for him. It’s a move the Dragons have been seriously considering.
Jonah Pezet
Sources speaking anonymously due to the confidential nature of contract discussions say he has just agreed to an extension at Melbourne, but the Dragons could explore the option of striking a loan deal while he’s stuck behind Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster.
Lachlan Ilias
The Rabbitohs have been trying to shift him for more than six months, so he could be immediately available if the Dragons express an interest.
Latu Fainu
There was speculation on Wednesday that Fainu could be a Dragons target, despite being contracted until the end of 2027. The halfback made just nine appearances last season, mostly off the bench, and will further behind in the pecking order once Jarome Luai arrives at Concord.
Anthony Milford
Has an offer on the table to remain in Redcliffe, but remains unsigned and could shift immediately.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.