Another club exits the race for Ben Hunt as rival coach confirms interest

The ongoing saga surrounding Ben Hunt’s future in the NRL has taken another turn, with a new club reportedly stepping back from the competition to secure his services.

Recently, Hunt was given the green light by the St George Illawarra Dragons to explore potential opportunities with other teams, a development that adds further intrigue to his situation.

Currently under contract until the end of the 2025 season, speculation is mounting that Hunt has played his final match in the Dragons’ colors,

especially as he prepares to engage in discussions with rival clubs ahead of the November 1 deadline.

As a seasoned player in the NRL, Hunt’s future has been in flux since he expressed a desire for a release last year.

He is actively seeking a new environment where he can continue to showcase his talents.

The Dolphins’ head coach, Kristian Woolf, has confirmed their ongoing interest in Hunt, expressing admiration for his skills, particularly given his current role in the Australian national team.

However, the North Queensland Cowboys have now joined the ranks of clubs that have officially exited the race for his signature, according to recent reports from News Corp.

Woolf addressed the media, clarifying that while he values Hunt as a player, there have been no formal conversations about acquiring him.

“I read the media reports and can say with confidence that we’ve had no contact at all,” he stated.

Despite this, Woolf acknowledged the potential for discussions in the future, highlighting the importance of talented players in the league.

In addition to the Dolphins, the Canterbury Bulldogs are reportedly keen on bringing the $950,000-per-season player on board.

However, the Dragons have yet to finalize any decisions regarding Hunt’s potential release for the upcoming season.

Sources close to the situation have indicated that the club is open to the idea of parting ways with him, suggesting that it is increasingly likely he has indeed played his last game for the Red V.

This latest development follows the Dragons’ recent communication to Hunt that he would not be receiving a contract extension once his current deal expires.

As the situation continues to evolve, many fans and analysts are left wondering where the talented halfback will land next, with a number of teams still eyeing the possibility of signing him.