Ben Hunt, the captain of the St George Illawarra Dragons and a player for the Queensland Maroons in the State of Origin, has stated he will not rule out leaving the team to complete his career.
The Dragons star had asked to be released from the last two years of his contract, which expires at the end of 2025, all of last season after former coach Anthony Gryphon was fired.
Hunt has subsequently recommitted to the Dragons and is allegedly in talks for a contract extension after being turned down by the team and its new coach, Shane Flanagan.
The State of Origin camp, the same location from which he first sought to be released last year, is now thought to be the reason behind the delay in those discussions.
Despite acknowledging that he is content at the Dragons, Hunt told the media on Tuesday that he isn’t ruling out concluding his career at the Titans.
Hunt told the journalists, “Mate, I am not closing the door on anything at all,” according to News Corp.
I’m content with the Dragons right now, and we’ll sort things out. There are currently no discussions. At the Dragons, I’m attempting to concentrate on a few other matters while steering our team in the proper path.
There’s no rush for anything down there, and since we’re now at the Origin phase, the Dragons contract negotiations may take a backseat. We’ll resolve the issue.
It coincides with the disclosure by journalist Michael Chammas on Channel 9’s 100% Footy that discussions have occurred between Hunt’s management and the Dragons.
“Ben Hunt’s manager has spoken to the Dragons, they’ve had some conversations about an extension in 2026,” Chammas stated during the broadcast.
“They’ve decided to put off those talks until after the Origin series, but there are signs thus far that Ben Hunt will stay on for a further season.
“He signed a deal with the Dragons in 25 and is really satisfied with the club now that Shane Flanagan is leading them. He wasn’t delighted with the path before.
