"The relationship had simply become untenable": Dragons agree to mutually terminate Ben Hunt's contact
Yesterday at 07:25 PM
The St George Illawarra Dragons have mutually agreed to terminate Ben Hunt's contract after the relationship between the two parties became untenable.
After a poor end to the 2024 season, the Dragons informed their captain that he was free to negotiate with rival clubs immediately to secure a deal elsewhere for the 2026 season.
Hunt had one year remaining on his contract with the Dragons but the veteran halfback had told his management that he would not return to the club for pre-season training.
The Daily Telegraph's Michael Carayannis told SEN that despite the negative rhetoric from the Dragons and Hunt's team, the immediate termination of his contract came as a surprise.
"It has obviously been simmering in the background for quite a while now," Carayannis said on SEN 1170.
"Especially given the public comments over the past few weeks and months.
"I was surprised when I found out this morning because the Dragons were adamant that they weren't going to make any moves until they could find a replacement.
"The relationship had simply become untenable between Hunt and the Dragons. It's very rare that you see a skipper part ways in such a messy situation with a club.
"It's been a mixed (legacy) for Hunt at the Dragons. He's been their best player over that period with limited success.
"When you're the captain and a $1 million, that falls on your shoulders. There's no doubt he's been a good player for them but he hasn't dragged them into being a consistent finals winning side."
The focus now shifts to which club will acquire Hunt for the 2025 season with a return to his native Queensland potentially on the cards.
Hunt's deal with the Dragons for 2025 was around $950,000 and Carayannis doesn't expect any suitors to match that figure.
"The Dragons won't chip in any money towards his deal. It's a clean-cut release," Carayannis added.
"The Dolphins have been circling Ben Hunt and inquired with the Dragons a couple of months ago to see if he was on the market. At the time, the Dragons said no.
"I dare say the Dolphins would be the favourites. Hunt is now a free agent for 2025 so if a club does want him, they may be able to manoeuvre some things around.
"This whole situation shows how desperate Hunt was to get out of the club because there are no guarantees that he will earn that $1 million figure elsewhere.
"He's not worth that figure at the moment but he's still an elite player."
The Dragons and coach Shane Flanagan have been vocal in their desire to make some significant off-season moves to improve their roster for next season.
Parramatta Eels captain Clint Gutherson is firmly on the club's radar and the immediate release of Hunt has opened the door for the Dragons to offer Gutherson a lucrative offer.
"That's the play," Carayannis said.
"They've made no secret about the fact that they want Clint Gutherson. Clint just has to make his mind up if he wants to leave the Eels.
"A decision may happen in the next day or two. The Dragons will go all in on Gutherson.
"The last 12-18 months have been pretty turbulent for Hunt and the Dragons and it's probably the best decision for both parties."
Hunt played 147 games for the Dragons from 2018.
