Ben Hunt news: Dragons star wants to leave club immediately, Gold ...

St George Illawarra Dragons captain Ben Hunt has reportedly stunned the embattled club by seeking an immediate release from his contract.

The 33-year-old's future has been up in the air since the club sacked coach Anthony Griffin last month.

The Dragons are sitting in 16th place on the NRL standings after 14 games - only ahead of last-placed Wests Tigers on points difference.

As the saga around Hunt's future heads to a conclusion, The Sporting News has all the latest.

MORE: Ben Hunt reportedly requests release from Dragons in wake of Flanagan appointment

Will Ben Hunt stay at the Dragons?

It appears Ben Hunt is edging closer to a departure from the Dragons, with Channel 9's Danny Weidler insisting the halfback wants an immediate release from the club.

After Weidler initially broke the story of Hunt's wish to leave the club, the Dragons via CEO Ryan Webb and new coach Shane Flanagan denied the club would lose their skipper (see below).

But Weidler responded by doubling down on his report, stating Hunt wanted out of the Dragons immediately - and not just at the end of the season.

"I’ve got more breaking news on the Ben Hunt situation, Ben Hunt would like to leave immediately and not at the end of the season," Weidler said on Channel 9.

In the same report Weidler said: "Ben Hunt has had enough at the Dragons, his manager rang the club today to say his client wants out of the remainder of his contract.

"Now obviously the Dragons are going to try and dispute this. Shane Flanagan, the incoming coach, well he’s going to try and talk Ben Hunt around to try and keep him at the Dragons for next year and beyond.

"There are already clubs signing up to try and sign Ben Hunt, the Titans are the early favourites but some Sydney clubs are sure to weigh into that situation."

Hunt - who has yet to comment on the situation publicly - is currently at Queensland's Origin camp with the Dragons having a bye during NRL Round 16.

EXCLUSIVE: Ben Hunt has decided to ask for a release from @NRL_Dragons The Shane Flanagan appointment has not settled him. Has confided in his inner circle he wants out. Unsure if he’s made contact with officials at club but influential Dragons are aware. @9NewsSyd @NRLonNine

— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) June 17, 2023 Where will Ben Hunt be playing in the NRL?

Hunt is currently contracted at the Dragons until the end of 2025 but unless a serious backflip occurs, the veteran will be playing his football elsewhere imminently.

According to Weidler, Gold Coast Titans have emerged as the most likely destination, while several Sydney-based clubs will throw their hat in the ring at some stage.

Hunt could possibly remain at the Dragons for the rest of the season before sorting a move to a different club after its conclusion.

What have the Dragons said about Ben Hunt's future?

Dragons coach Flanagan denied Hunt has sought a recent release from the club and explicitly stated his star won't be leaving the club.

Flanagan claimed Hunt had asked to leave the club before the new coach arrived but that situation had been smoothed over.

"Well, from a club’s perspective Ben Hunt will be there," Flanagan said on 2GB.

"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.

"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 okay.

"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."

Dragons CEO Ryan Webb stopped short of denying Weidler's report but stated he believed Hunt would stay at the club.

"We fully expect him to stay at our club," Webb said on SEN.

"He is hoping to build and press for finals and he is frustrated, like a lot of people at our club are, that we are not in that position.

"Hopefully, the appointment of Shane will give him much comfort that we can get to that position nice and quick."