Ben Hunt is set to meet with incoming St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan after the second State of Origin game as speculation around his future at the club culminated in reports of a release request.
But Flanagan, who takes charge of the struggling joint venture from the off-season, is bullish on keeping the halfback until his current contract expires at the end of 2025.
Hunt signed an extension in October but is famously close with ousted coach Anthony Griffin, under whom he became a regular starting halfback at Brisbane 10 years ago.
Since the Dragons sacked Griffin last month following a six-game losing streak, speculation has swirled Hunt could agitate for a release.
The situation came to a head on Saturday when the Nine Network reported Hunt had told those close to him he wanted out of the club, which has failed to qualify for the finals since 2018.
Concerns had already been raised this week when Hunt told media during Queensland’s State of Origin camp he didn’t know how Flanagan’s appointment would affect his future.
Flanagan called Hunt before he had been confirmed as head coach to express his desire to field the 33-year-old at halfback rather than hooker, where he reluctantly spent time earlier this season.
On Saturday, the incoming Dragons coach reiterated his desire for Hunt to remain at the club in 2024, with the pair set for further contact once the halfback finishes his duties with Queensland on Wednesday night.
Flanagan is adamant no release will be entertained.
“From the club’s perspective, Ben Hunt will be there,” Flanagan told radio station 2GB’s Continuous Call Team.
“He’s got a contract. I spoke to Ben before I actually signed because I didn’t want to become the Dragons coach and then (have) our halfback wanting out of the club, and he was fine with all that if I was to get the job.
“He’s in Origin camp at the moment, and I’m not going to worry him while he’s in there. I’ll get to him next week and I’m sure that’s OK.
“But from the club’s perspective; he’s our captain, he’s our halfback and we need him. I won’t be letting him go anywhere.”
Hunt has been a shining light for the Dragons amid five years languishing outside the top eight, and finished third on the Dally M leaderboard last season.
His form has led him to be linked to cross-town rivals Canterbury, while Canberra would also have the wherewithal to make a play for him given Jack Wighton is shipping out to South Sydney at the end of the season.
A move back home to Queensland could also entice the halfback, who played nine seasons with Brisbane at the beginning of this career.
For their part, the Dragons have no shortage of other playmaking options, with highly touted local products Junior Amone and Jayden Sullivan currently jostling to partner Hunt in the halves.
Griffin’s loyalty to Hunt had previously been a source of tension at the Red V; Sullivan requested an early release from his own contract in October when Hunt blocked his path to a full-time role in the starting side.
He later recanted and remains tied with the club through 2025, with Amone signed on until 2024.
