Speculation in rugby league is always fun, and on rare occasions (compared to the number of articles posted about it), it can become a real-life fairytale. However, the noise around Ben Hunt leaving the dragons is just that, noise, and frankly it is starting to get a little bit embarrassing for those perpetuating it.
It is easy to see why these theories have started. Ben Hunt is a favourite son of Queensland, and his on-field attitude and undeniable skills make him an obvious target for a possible return to the maroon state.
With the addition of another team in his previous city of Brisbane and the departure of Anthony Griffin from the Dragons (a close friend of Hunt’s), the stage is set for a return for the prodigal son, no?
No.
Hunt returning to Queensland should not be on your 2024 bingo card for a few iron-clad reasons. To begin with, he only recently signed a new, two-year contract to stay at the Dragons. Crucially, this contract did not have a clause that allowed him to leave if Griffin was sacked, which is about as blatant a sign that one could get that Hook was about to leave.
Hunt is not stupid, he’s the captain of the club, and he understands football is a business, having seen his fair share of coaches come and go. If he still signed without that clause, he knew the likely outcome and was still happy to agree to terms with the club.
Secondly, he’s been the Dragons’ best and most consistent player for virtually his entire six-year contract. He is their captain and has been for years now. He is a fan favourite, a bastion of wholesomeness in a team that otherwise stinks of trouble and bad attitudes. What on earth would compel St George Illawarra to allow him to leave?
While it may be common for teams to allow some players to break contracts, there are fewer instances of clubs allowing marquee players to leave.
Jack Wighton had to wait out his contract, as did Adam Reynolds and Matt Burton. If it ever came to this point, the Dragons would do everything they could to make Hunt happy and remain, as they should.
In addition to this, what about Hunt’s character would lead you to imagine he would break a contract he has signed? There are few people in the league who you might suggest have more integrity. Even in all the club’s recent controversies, from barbeque-gate to 90 per cent of the players missing their awards ceremony last year, Hunt has quietly kept above it.
(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
He was at that award ceremony (to receive their player of the year award), and he has always defended the club, players, and staff around him. The idea that he would try and agitate a release from his contract seems absurd.
Finally, if the rumors are true and his salary for his next contract is around $850,000 a year, then one has to ask: do any of those clubs have deeper pockets to lure Hunt away? Especially since he will be 34 next year? Hunt is not going to play for less than that, especially if it involves a lot of effort in moving and relocating his young family.
The Dragons do not have a lot of stars; they could basically provide their halfback a blank cheque to stay, so if they agreed upon that figure, it is likely at the higher end of what clubs would consider paying for Hunt, anyway.
In short, while some fans might want Ben Hunt at their club (who wouldn’t?), the possibility of it happening is so far-fetched as to be bordering on moronic. Let him finish his career in peace at the Dragons; who knows, a new coach may be just the spark he needs to spark a late charge for the finals next year.
mushi
Roar Guru
"what about Hunt’s character would lead you to imagine he would break a contract he has signed?" What about using the terms of a contract to end it leads you to question someones character.
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
Not till after Origin 3
andyfnq
Roar Rookie
This hasn't aged well. Or if it was satire, it was a bit too subtle.
Renegade
Roar Guru
How is it moronic? Of course Hunt will leave, he knows he has zero chance for success at the dragons?
Muzz Manyana
Roar Rookie
Hunt will be a Rooster next year. This is why the Ryles deal fell over at the 11th hour.
Panthers
Roar Rookie
Doesn’t really make any difference. The Roosters go on signing players regardless of who they’ve already signed. Take the signing of Brandon Smith & Jake Turpin at hooker . They are also looking to poach young Riley Jones from Newcastle. Who’s a star up & coming player at hooker. He’s been man of the match both games I think, in his first 2 games in NSW Cup. I hope he stays at Newcastle, as he also has more opportunity to play regular first grade games at Newcastle in the future.
Tony
Roar Guru
Especially...
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Even if he brings his lad to bolster our halves and hooker spots?
Tony
Roar Guru
:laughing:
andrew
Roar Rookie
No doubt you'll be getting measured for your coat with leather patches and straw hat.
Tony
Roar Guru
Maybe I'll become a Waratahs supporter :happy:
andrew
Roar Rookie
That's a drastic step Tony.
Tony
Roar Guru
I think I'll drop the Dragons if they pick Flanagan
andrew
Roar Rookie
Reading Tony that Saints will announce the new coach tomorrow. Reading between the lines it looks like Flanagan's the favourite. I'd still prefer the younger brigade like Hornby and Young.
Centre
Roar Rookie
Well if Fox has anything to do with it, It will be Flannigan. I’m imagining the board would be too afraid to, in the end, vote for Carr. The media would attack him and the board every time we lost. And bring up the fact that they could have hired an experienced coach in Flannigan. Carr’s life would be hell.
andrew
Roar Rookie
I've been reading on Fox that tomorrow is the day Saints will announce the new coach.
Centre
Roar Rookie
Agree Andrew.Sloane has incredible speed and attack potential. He needs tutoring in tackle technique and sometimes he doesn’t quite read the game properly. But with the right coach and experience, he could reach great heights. I like how Carr has given permission to get more involved. The more he gets his hands on the ball the better.
Centre
Roar Rookie
I agree, From the recent interviews with the players about him as a coach, I think they’d be happy with that decision. Not sure about some of the fans though, because he’s a rookie.
andrew
Roar Rookie
I haven't heard anything Centre. I think Carr's got the Dragons playing some decent footy.
Centre
Roar Rookie
Drop Wolfe. Get Timmo onto it!