Ben Hunt news: Dragons star wants to leave club immediately, Gold Coast Titans circle

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

The 33-year-old’s future has been uncertain since the club sacked manager Anthony Griffin last month.

The Dragons sit 16th in the NRL standings after 14 games – only on points difference over the bottom-placed Wests Tigers.

As the saga of Hunt’s future comes to a close, The sports news has the latest.

MORE: Ben Hunt is reportedly requesting his release from the Dragons after Flanagan’s appointment

Is Ben Hunt staying with the Dragons?

It appears Ben Hunt is getting closer and closer to saying goodbye to the Dragonswith Channel 9’s Danny Weidler insisting the halfback wants one immediate dismissal from the club.

After Weidler initially spread the story of Hunt’s desire to leave the club, the Dragons, via CEO Ryan Webb and new coach Shane Flanagan, denied that the club would lose its captain (see below).

But Weidler responded by doubling down on his report, saying Hunt wanted to leave the Dragons immediately — rather than at the end of the season.

“I have more breaking news on the Ben Hunt situation. Ben Hunt wants to leave immediately and not at the end of the season,” Weidler continued channel 9.

In the same report, Weidler said: “Ben Hunt is fed up with the Dragons, his manager called the club today to say his client wants out of the remainder of his contract.”

“Now the Dragons will obviously try to deny this. Shane Flanagan, the new coach, will try to persuade Ben Hunt to stay with the Dragons next year and beyond.”

“There are already clubs that want to sign Ben Hunt. Titans are first favorites but some Sydney clubs will certainly take this situation into account.”

Hunt – who has yet to comment publicly on the situation – is currently at Origin camp in Queensland, where the Dragons have a bye during the 16th NRL round.

Where will Ben Hunt play in the NRL?

Hunt is currently signed with the Dragons until the end of 2025, but barring a serious setback, the veteran will soon be taking his football elsewhere.

According to Weidler The Gold Coast Titans have emerged as the most likely targetwhile several Sydney-based clubs will eventually throw their hats in the ring.

Hunt could potentially stay with the Dragons for the remainder of the season before considering a move to another club once it’s over.

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

Dragons manager Flanagan denied that Hunt had recently requested a sacking from the club, specifically stating his star will not be leaving the club.

Flanagan claimed Hunt asked to leave the club before the new manager arrived but the situation was smoothed out.

“Well, from a club perspective, Ben Hunt will be there,” Flanagan said on 2GB.

“He’s on contract, I spoke to Ben before I actually signed because obviously I didn’t want to be the Dragons’ coach and then our halfback wanted to leave the club and he was ok with all of that if I got that should.” work.

“He’s obviously in the Origin camp at the moment, and I won’t worry him as long as he’s there. I’ll reach 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 let him go anywhere.”

Dragons CEO Ryan Webb didn’t deny Weidler’s report, but said he believed Hunt would stay at the club.

“We expect him to stay at our club,” Webb said on SEN.

“He’s hoping to build something and put pressure on for the finals and he, like a lot of people at our club, is frustrated that we’re not in that position.”

“Hopefully, Shane’s appointment will bring him great solace so that we can reach that position quickly and easily.”