Dragons captain Ben Hunt shuts down ‘cultural issues’ following horror off-season

A defiant Ben Hunt has allayed concerns about St George Illawarra’s culture and is adamant the club can prove their doubters wrong in 2023.

The 32-year-old has been a rare light for the Dragons in recent years, being named Player of the Year by the club and playing for both Queensland and Australia during their recent success.

Hunt has led the side through some dark times and from the outside it’s only going to get worse this offseason.

Junior Amone and Francis Molo have both found themselves in hot water over serious off-field incidents, while a heated exchange between Mikaele Ravalawa and Zane Musgrove only made matters worse for the club.

MORE: St. George Illawarra Dragons 2023 season preview

But speaking to the media ahead of the season, Hunt allayed culture concerns at the Dragons and made sure they were headed in the right direction.

“I really have no problem with the culture here – obviously something happened to a couple of people and the club is working with those guys to help them,” he said.

“Overall, I really don’t think there’s a cultural issue – there’s a great group of guys here and everyone works really hard every day to get better and everyone wants to win. I have no problems.

“We had a discussion as a playgroup about the incident and what happened – we addressed it’s time to move on and focus on rugby league.

“I’m just trying to address it to the playgroup — just get the players together and have a chat.

“Guys are a lot more willing to open up when it’s just the players there and it’s a good conversation about… just trying to steer the group in the right direction.

“That stuff doesn’t happen here anymore and it’s all about the footy … we have to play a few games and if we start winning games and playing good footy then all that stuff doesn’t matter.”

After a few lean years on the field, the off-field drama will only act as an unnecessary distraction for the Red V during crucial months for the team and head coach Anthony Griffin.

Claims by former player James Graham about a potential “spike” within the gaming group won’t help the Dragons get on the same page – but Hunt doesn’t think there’s cause for concern.

“Nowadays everything seems to come out, no matter – you can’t hide it,” he said

“I don’t think there’s a mole in the group, I don’t think there’s anyone who went out on purpose and ratted on the club.

“It definitely doesn’t help — it’s just little distractions that you don’t need. You’ve had a really good pre-season and you think you’re going in the right direction… it’s just small things that set you back a few steps.

“It’s not ideal, but we have to keep going.”

St. George Illawarra fans have been desperate for success for over a decade. There have only been three Finals appearances since Wayne Bennett departed in 2012, leaving the Diehards frustrated.

The ongoing off-field incidents and negative press surrounding the club only add to the disappointment of a vocal fanbase, but Hunt urged them to come through the trying times solidly.

“I can definitely understand why they’re a little bit uneasy and a little bit upset about what’s going on,” he said.

“There were a few things that raised heads just at the worst of times. It’s definitely frustrating and I can understand it from a fan point of view.

“The best thing we can do is go into the season and win a few football games.”

St. George Illawarra bids farewell in Round 1 before taking on the Titans in Round 2 in the season opener.