Ben Hunt Linked to potential move to sydney club

St George Illawarra Dragons captain Ben Hunt is generating buzz with rumors of a surprising transfer to a Sydney club for the upcoming season. As his tenure with the Dragons appears to be winding down, speculation about his future has intensified.

Hunt’s situation has been precarious since he sought a release from his contract last year. In recent months, there were whispers of a potential contract extension that could see him finish his career with the Dragons. However, those talks seem to have fizzled out.

Under the guidance of coach Shane Flanagan, Hunt’s performances have improved alongside the team’s overall progress. This led to speculation that he might remain with the Dragons for another year, but it seems that will not be the case.

Currently earning $950,000 per season, Hunt has been linked to a return to Queensland, where both the Dolphins and Gold Coast Titans have expressed interest. Yet, the latest reports suggest that the Canterbury Bulldogs are now a surprising contender for his services in the 2025 NRL season.

As Adrian Proszenko from The Sydney Morning Herald noted during an NRL Crunch Time segment, Hunt’s relationship with the Dragons has been tumultuous over the past few seasons. Despite still being under contract for another year, sources indicate he is unlikely to continue with the team.

“There has even been discussion about extending his contract,” Proszenko explained. “But the current chatter suggests he won’t be around next year. The Titans could be a viable option, but there’s a significant standoff regarding his potential departure.”

The dynamics of Hunt’s situation are complex. If the Dragons decide to release him, they may have to cover some of his salary. Conversely, if Hunt requests to leave, it will be contingent on the club’s terms.

During the offseason, it’s expected that both parties will convene to discuss the future. Proszenko anticipates that the Dragons might ultimately inform Hunt that they will not be extending his contract, allowing him to explore other opportunities. This could lead to an earlier move than originally planned.

The Bulldogs’ interest in Hunt comes on the heels of a disappointing finals exit, where they were expected to perform better against the Manly Sea Eagles. Although Toby Sexton, the starting halfback, has done well in guiding the team to the finals, he struggled in the crucial match against the experienced Daly Cherry-Evans.

While Sexton remains under contract for another year, the emergence of promising talent like Mitchell Woods—who represented the U19s NSW Blues earlier this year—suggests a potential shift in the team’s structure. Woods is expected to join the Bulldogs’ Top 30 roster in 2025, further complicating the halfback situation.

Proszenko remarked on Sexton’s commendable season but highlighted the need for an experienced player like Hunt. “In that last game, having someone of Hunt’s caliber could have made a significant difference,” he noted, indicating that the Bulldogs might benefit from his leadership.

As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Ben Hunt’s decision. Whether he stays with the Dragons or makes a fresh start with a Sydney club remains uncertain, but it’s a story that NRL fans will be following closely.