NRL Ben Hunt not on Wests Tigers radar at the moment says Tim ...

Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens has ruled out making contact with Ben Hunt in the short term as St George Illawarra's NRL rivals begin drafting their sales pitches to the disgruntled Dragons captain.

Reports emerged on Saturday that Hunt was eager for a release from the final two-and-a-half years of his contract at the struggling Dragons, who sacked his close confidant Anthony Griffin as coach last month.

Incoming Dragons boss Shane Flanagan has publicly declared the Queensland State of Origin representative part of his plans to revitalise the Red V, telling 2GB on Saturday no early release would be entertained.

But the pair are poised for crisis talks following Wednesday's second Origin game, with the Dragons hoping they can talk their skipper down.

Hunt has already been linked with moves to Canterbury and Gold Coast, while Canberra would also have the funds to make an offer given they lose five-eighth Jack Wighton to South Sydney at the season's end.

The situation comes only days after Luke Brooks rejected the Tigers' offer of a contract extension for 2024, leaving Wests to ponder their options in the halves beyond this season.

Sheens has made no secret of his desire to lure a top-quality half to Concord given first-choice five-eighth Adam Doueihi's ACL injury is set to sideline him well into 2024.

Brooks' mooted departure would only make the situation more urgent.

The Tigers have made failed plays for Cameron Munster, Mitch Moses and Shaun Johnson in recent times but Sheens said Hunt was not currently on their radar.

"He's a quality player but I'm certainly not going to start a rumour that we're chasing him," Sheens said.

"He's on contract with St George. He's got no clause that says he can get out of that contract. At this stage, we can't deal with anyone that's in that situation."

Sheens confirmed the side's search for playmakers was ongoing and that options were being considered for both this year and next.

"We are looking, we're obviously looking for next year as well, given Adam Doueihi may be late coming back next year," he said.

"I've erred on the conservative way and said he won't play (in 2024). If he does, it's a bonus.

"Right at the moment, we are actively looking for options in England and here but so are a lot of clubs."

Brooks missed Saturday night's 28-6 loss to Melbourne with the hamstring injury he suffered last week.

Sheens denied Brandon Wakeham's inability to forge chemistry with new halves partner Starford To'a had brought the club's halves issue into sharper focus.

"What Brooksy does is what Brooksy does. I don't think that affected the team one bit," he said.

"Our main issue was trying to put together a new combination in a handful of days."