Dragons skipper Ben Hunt’s contract release saga to be escalated after State of Origin series

Ben Hunt has defended the decision to fly to Brisbane on Friday, less than 24 hours after the Dragons were beaten by the Sharks.

Hunt, 33, was filming a beer commercial in the Sunshine State and stated that he was not thinking about his future as a player.

“I’m doing my best… coming here has nothing to do with anything like that,” Hunt told Channel 7 amid rumors he was meeting representatives from the Broncos.

“I’ve committed to the Dragons for this year…” I’ve told my teammates and we’re going to go ahead and try to get some wins.’

It follows Thursday’s 52-16 hammering at the hands of the Sharks on Thursday in what was one of Hunt’s worse outings for the Red V.

Sharks players react during their 52-16 mauling by the Cronulla Sharks in their derby match on Thursday

He played like a man of great wits as his opponent Nicho Hynes rioted in the south Sydney derby at Shark Park.

After an initial failed attempt to secure his exit from the club last month, Hunt representatives will resume negotiations with St George-Illawarra officials after the Origin final in Sydney on July 12.

The playmaker’s initial request for release was denied on June 26 following discussions between St. George Illawarra board members and his management.

“The club met with Ben and his management today where he shared the concerns and frustrations leading up to his recent request for his contract to be terminated,” read a club statement.

Despite the Broncos expressing interest in giving him a short-term contract to improve their chances of winning a premiership, Hunt informed the Dragons on Monday that he will stay.

Incoming coach Shane Flanagan could have a war chest at his disposal if Hunt is allowed to leave the club ahead of the 2024 season

However, anonymous sources familiar with the confidential conversations have told The Sydney Morning Herald that Hunt’s management plans to reopen talks within the next two weeks in an effort to secure his release for the 2024 season.

Hunt is reportedly not looking for an immediate departure to the Broncos for the rest of 2023.

Instead, he is aiming to be released from his contract in order to fulfill his wish to return to Queensland.

While Hunt’s current contract runs until the end of 2025, the veteran halfback is rumored to be in talks with the Titans, who are expected to sign him if his release request is granted.

The ongoing contract dispute is expected to cast a shadow over the Dragons’ season, which has taken a nosedive after heavy losses to the Warriors and Sharks, conceding a total of 100 points in the past two weeks.

Interim coach Ryan Carr tried to quell speculation about the captain’s future by confirming his commitment to the end of the season.

Hunt is expected to ask for another release after the third and final State of Origin game in Sydney, but will not ask for an immediate release from the Broncos

As the star player’s uncertain future continues to dominate the headlines, new coach Shane Flanagan is actively assembling his support staff.

Andrew Gray and Dan Lawson have agreed to join the Dragons next year. Gray, who previously worked with Flanagan during the Sharks’ 2016 premiership win, will take on the role of physical performance manager.

Lawson, a home state physiotherapist with experience under Flanagan, will also join the coaching staff.

Lawson is currently employed by the Titans and will transfer to the Dragons in 2024, coinciding with Des Hasler taking over as head coach of the Titans following the firing of Justin Holbrook.

Gray’s main focus will be to improve the Dragons’ performance in the second half as both the Warriors and Sharks managed to exploit their fatigue and score numerous tries in recent games.