Hunt is expected to provide a significant boost to the Dragons following his request for release.

Ben Hunt, the experienced captain and halfback for the St George Illawarra Dragons, has reportedly opted to remain with the club for the duration of his contract, providing a significant boost to the team. This decision comes after a tumultuous year for Hunt.

Despite signing a two-year extension with the club in late 2022, there were immediate indications from Hunt that his future with the Dragons would be influenced by the status of former coach Anthony Griffin. Rumors even circulated during contract negotiations suggesting that Hunt would only commit to staying with the Dragons if there was a specific clause regarding Griffin’s coaching position.

Ultimately, the Dragons’ board stood firm on this matter and dismissed Griffin midway through a challenging 2023 season.

Hunt then made a request to be released from the final two years of his contract, including the extension, but the new coach, Shane Flanagan, remained resolute, indicating that Hunt would not be let go, at least for the 2024 season.

Journalist Michael Carayannis has now suggested that Hunt will also stay with the Dragons for the 2025 season. Carayannis informed News Corp that no other clubs would be willing to match Hunt’s current salary at the Red V.

Carayannis stated on SEN, “Not only will Ben Hunt play out this year at the Dragons, he’ll fulfill his contract next year (2025) as well. Obviously, not having the same caliber of roster around him will be frustrating, but the Dragons have made it clear they won’t release him.”

Hunt himself has not made any public statements indicating that he has withdrawn his request to leave the club in 2025. However, he has committed to remaining with the Dragons for the 2024 season under Flanagan as the team seeks to undergo a rapid rebuilding process.