Ben Hunt asks Dragons for release, keen on Queensland return
Ben Hunt has told St George Illawarra officials he wants an early release with the top-paid playmaker hoping for a return home to Queensland.
Hunt would not offer a guarantee he would see out the final two years of his mega deal at the Dragons when asked during the week while in Queensland Origin camp.
The 33-year-old is understood to have informed Dragons officials of his plans to chase a “fresh start” before the Origin campaign started.
Incoming coach Shane Flanagan has also been made aware of Hunt’s hopes to leave at the end of the year.
Flanagan made his intentions clear about wanting Hunt to remain at the club – and in his preferred position of halfback – and told 2GB on Saturday: “He’s got a contract, I spoke to Ben before I actually signed because I didn’t want to obviously become the Dragons coach and then our halfback wanting out of the club, and he was fine with all that if I was to get the job.
Clouded future: Dragons captain Ben Hunt.Credit: Getty
“He’s in Origin camp at the moment obviously, and I’m not going to worry him while he’s in there, I’ll get to him next week and I’m sure that’s OK.
“But from the club’s perspective, he’s our captain, he’s our halfback and we need him, I won’t be letting him go anywhere.”
Hunt, however, has told those close to him a change of scenery is the best thing for his football.
A club that is ready to push for premiership success is ideal but not a deal-breaker.
Phil Gould has spoken with Hunt about joining Canterbury, but Hunt’s heart lies with Queensland.
He has often spoken about returning home once his career ended, but his family would love for that to happen sooner rather than later.
Hunt is prepared to see out his Dragons deal, but is privately happy his intentions have now been made public.
This masthead has reached out to Hunt and the Dragons for comment.
Meanwhile, Canterbury have been linked to former Panthers premiership winner Tyrone May. May was sacked by Penrith for a controversial Instagram post after the 2021 grand final, which referenced an earlier court case where he pleaded guilty to filming an intimate image without consent.
May has been playing in the Super League with Catalans, but is keen to return home and has a strong friendship with Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo.
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