Ben Hunt hints at Dragons extension as Anthony Griffin’s rebuild continues
St George Illawarra Dragons fans could be nervously awaiting in the weeks and months to come as a host of NRL rivals queue up to enlist the services of Ben Hunt.
The 32-year-old has been in red-hot form at both club and State of Origin levels this year, and many favored him for the Dally-M medal following his exploits for the Dragons and Maroons.
Hunt has already been linked with moves to the Titans and Dolphins, with his rich deal at Red V expiring at the end of next year.
Clubs can offer Hunt a contract for 2024 and beyond from November 1, but the Dragons are hoping to extend it by then and continue their rebuild.
Speaking of SEN’s The Run Home, Hunt spoke about his desire to return to Queensland but hinted at staying with the Dragons to finish his career.
“Queensland is our home and once Footy is done we will definitely end up in Queensland again,” he said.
“But right now I’m really enjoying it down here.
“It’s no secret that I love being coached by Hook [Anthony Griffin] and I think our team is on the right track.
“We have some good youngsters who will benefit with another year under their belt.
“I enjoy it and I play football really well I think.”
Hunt has produced 15 try assists and scored six tries in 15 appearances this year. He also scored the Series Seal attempt for the Maroons in the Origin decider.
But an extension with the Dragons will have many mitigating factors and possible consequences.
Hunt will likely face a pay cut from his estimated $1.2 million annual salary if he wants to stay at Wollongong, which could result in the club being blown out of water if the Dolphins or Titans make big bucks throw in
One issue that could help the salary cap is the exodus of some veteran players later this year. Tariq Sims and Josh McGuire have both confirmed they will be moving to other clubs, while reports from The Sydney Morning Herald indicate that veteran hooker Andrew McCullough is considering retirement.
And while Hunt would love to see his close pal continue playing in 2023, not too many Dragons fans will be disappointed if the 32-year-old hangs up his boots.
“He has his 300thth this year – it’s a huge milestone for him,” said Hunt.
“I think he’s been great for us, not just on the field but off the field as well. We obviously have a really young team down there and I think he was great in that leadership role and helped develop some young people.
“I hope he keeps playing – he’s influenced my career a lot and is one of my best friends.
“It would be sad to see him go.”
Another issue will be the length of contract St George Illawarra is willing to offer him. By the time of the 2024 season, Hunt will be 34 and nearing the end of his career, so it’s unlikely he’ll be offered anything more than a two-year contract.
The potential ramifications or implications of extending Hunt with the Dragons is the situation surrounding young halfback Jayden Sullivan.
The 20-year-old is signed with the Red V until late 2025, but with Hunt and Talatau Amone ahead of him in the pecking order, Sullivan could be looking for an early exit to play consistently in the first grade.
Hunt has plenty of offensive weapons at his side with the Dragons, and one of those is Moses Suli, whom the halfback couldn’t praise enough when asked which teammate impressed him the most this year.
“For me it would be Moses Suli – it’s pretty devastating that he’s injured right now but I think he’s been one of our best all year,” said Hunt.
“He’s really devastating on that edge, he starts our sets well and when we’re in trouble and need some points we go to him.”
St George Illawarra have had a solid season – perhaps better than most predicted – but have stumbled again just before the finals and are expected to miss football in September.
Hunt remains optimistic but knows that if they lose to Canberra in Round 22 their chances will be completely gone.
“You have to believe,” he said.
“We don’t really talk about it, but I think it’s in the back of everyone’s mind. We’re just really trying to focus on Canberra and beat them.
“At the end of the day, if we don’t beat them, it’s definitely over.
“Joe Tapine is out, that will definitely help – I think he’s the best striker in the competition at the moment.”