By Dan Walsh
Ben Hunt’s management will not talk to rival clubs until his Kangaroos commitments wrap up after the Dragons told him a 2025 release would not be considered before he entered Australian camp.
As Parramatta look to unsigned half Ronald Volkman as a depth signing and Maika Sivo’s release to Super League edges closer, tension between the Dragons and Hunt continues to simmer after the club granted its highest-paid player early permission to explore the 2026 market.
After being told extension talks would be revisited based on how Hunt starts the 2025 season, his camp is prepared to push for an immediate exit rather than waiting another year. Hunt has had multiple release requests rejected over the past 18 months.
As reported by this masthead on Sunday, Hunt is wary of his contract dramas being a distraction for Mal Meninga’s side.
His camp’s disappointment in the timing of St George Illawarra’s decision – two weeks before Hunt is a free agent on November 1 – has been relayed to the club and coach Shane Flanagan.
Despite being linked to the Dolphins and Bulldogs, Hunt has told his management that he does not want to entertain any talks until after the Pacific Championships final on November 10.
Ben Hunt in action at Kangaroos training.Credit: NRL Photos
Hunt was told before departing for Kangaroos duties that a 2025 release was not in the Dragons’ plans and that he would be expected to return in January for pre-season training.
Hunt’s captaincy is likely to again come under the microscope given the ongoing drama around his future.
With the Dragons planning for Hunt’s salary – estimated at around $950,000 next year – to be carried on their cap, the club is anticipating only being able to afford Clint Gutherson or Josh Addo-Carr, not both former NSW Origin backs.
Gutherson shapes as the Dragons’ recruitment priority after he was recently granted permission to explore his options early as well, given his experience and ability to play fullback.
Eels captain Clint Gutherson is weighing up his future.Credit: Getty Images
Eels coach Jason Ryles has told the Parramatta skipper that an extension could not be offered given the uncertainty around his move to a utility role.
Gutherson is continuing to weigh up his future after beginning talks with the Dragons, while the Eels are considering former Warrior Volkman to potentially fill out their roster and playmaking stocks behind Mitchell Moses, Dylan Brown and back-up half Dean Hawkins.
Manly have expressed interest in the 22-year-old in a similar role after an off-season signing saga that ended in the Dragons being issued a $40,000 NRL fine.
Volkman has recovered from the shoulder injury that scuppered his Dragons move last January and left him $175,000 out of pocket until a confidential settlement with the club was reached two months ago.
Sivo, meanwhile, is expected to link with ex-Eels coach Brad Arthur at Leeds as a deal nears completion.
Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould hinted at the developments during commentary of Saturday’s Fiji-Papua New Guinea Test where Sivo was part of a Fijian side humbled by the Kumuls.
The 31-year-old winger was permitted to look elsewhere by the Eels earlier this year and has a long-standing relationship with Arthur after being recruited from Penrith in 2019.
Sivo’s 104 tries in blue and gold from 115 appearances ranks him behind only Luke Burt (124), Jarryd Hayne (113) and Brett Kenny (110) in club history.
Sivo struggled for form at times in 2024, and was dropped by Arthur earlier this year, before reclaiming his spot late in the season under interim coach Trent Barrett.
The Eels are expected to contribute to Sivo’s 2025 salary, as they will with Reagan Campbell-Gillard’s three-year Gold Coast deal after he was released at the start of the month.
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