The NRL player market has been set abuzz with the news that veteran playmaker Ben Hunt has secured a release from the final year of his contract with the St George Illawarra Dragons. After a tumultuous stint at the joint-venture club, the 34-year-old Queensland representative is now on the hunt for a new home in what could be the final chapter of his illustrious career.
A Messy Divorce from the Dragons
Hunt’s relationship with the Dragons had become strained in recent seasons, with the star halfback openly expressing his desire to move on. According to sources close to the situation, a series of heated exchanges between Hunt and club management ultimately led to the Dragons agreeing to grant him an early release, despite having one year remaining on his lucrative contract.
While Hunt recently featured in the Kangaroos squad that emerged victorious in the Pacific Championships, he failed to crack the match-day 17. With his representative commitments now concluded, the focus shifts to his club future, with several NRL sides reportedly keen to secure his services.
The Roosters Emerge as Frontrunners
Despite Hunt’s stated preference to return to his home state of Queensland, the Sydney Roosters have emerged as the surprise frontrunners to land his signature. The Tricolors face a halves crisis in 2025, with young gun Sam Walker sidelined with an ACL injury and veteran five-eighth Luke Keary departing for the Super League.
Insiders suggest the Roosters view Hunt as the ideal short-term solution, capable of partnering with fellow recruit Chad Townsend in the halves or even slotting in at hooker to cover for the injured Brandon Smith. With the Bondi club’s famous ability to make salary cap space appear out of thin air, they loom as a genuine contender to secure Hunt’s services.
The Bulldogs’ Bid for Credibility
Another Sydney club that could make a play for Hunt is the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs. After assembling a star-studded roster in recent years, the Bulldogs proved they have the cattle to reach the finals in 2024 but may still be lacking the elite game management to seriously contend for a premiership.
Hunt’s experience and composure could be the missing piece of the puzzle for Canterbury. He would provide an excellent foil for the Dogs’ young halves and serve as a mentor to highly touted junior prospect Mitch Woods. The catch? Signing with Belmore would mean remaining in Sydney, right next door to his old Dragons stomping ground.
Broncos Bound? The Queensland Connection
Of the Queensland clubs in the market for a playmaker of Hunt’s caliber, the Brisbane Broncos loom as the most intriguing option. With Adam Reynolds entering the final year of his contract and beset by injuries, Hunt would provide both cover in the halves and a readymade replacement for Jake Turpin at hooker.
However, two significant hurdles stand in the way of a Red Hill reunion. Firstly, the Broncos’ decision to retain troubled young half Ezra Mam has left them with limited wiggle room under the salary cap. Secondly, Hunt’s legacy at Brisbane remains tarnished by his infamous dropped ball in the dying moments of the 2015 grand final, a gaffe that gifted the Cowboys an against-the-odds premiership.
The Titans’ Temptation
If a return to southeast Queensland is indeed a priority for Hunt and his young family, the Gold Coast Titans shape as the most likely suitor. With the departure of Tanah Boyd to the Warriors and the aging Kieran Foran’s durability a perennial concern, the Titans could certainly benefit from Hunt’s steadying influence in the halves.
Hunt’s versatility would also provide the Titans with coverage at hooker for the injury-prone Sam Verrills. Crucially, the Titans appear to have the requisite salary cap space to table a competitive offer for the former Kangaroos and Maroons star. The fact that Hunt has recently purchased a property in Bangalow, just an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast, only adds weight to the speculation.
Slim Pickings: The Dolphins’ Dilemma
On paper, the NRL’s newest franchise, the Dolphins, would appear an ideal fit for a marque signing like Hunt. However, as they transition to life under new coach Kristian Woolf, the Redcliffe-based club find themselves well-stocked in the key playmaking positions.
With rising star Isaiya Katoa developing into a high-caliber NRL halfback and the likes of Kodi Nikorima, Sean O’Sullivan, and rugby convert Carter Gordon on the books, the Dolphins are spoiled for choice. At hooker, Jeremy Marshall-King’s return from injury and the emergence of Max Plath make it difficult to justify splashing cash on a veteran rake, leaving the Dolphins as rank outsiders in the race for Hunt’s signature.
A Super League Swan Song?
If a suitable deal fails to materialize with an NRL club, Hunt may be forced to consider finishing his career in the northern hemisphere. The English Super League has long been a haven for seasoned NRL stars seeking one last payday, and Hunt’s pedigree would see him command top dollar.
However, uprooting his young family and relocating to the United Kingdom would be a significant decision for Hunt, both personally and professionally. While he would almost certainly dominate the competition and be a favorite to take out the Man of Steel award, the lure of finishing his career on home soil could ultimately prove too strong.
The Waiting Game
As the NRL player market continues to take shape in the coming weeks, Ben Hunt’s future remains one of the most intriguing storylines. Will the Roosters’ powerbrokers work their salary cap magic once again? Can the Bulldogs mount a compelling case for the veteran to stay in Sydney? Or will the call of home see Hunt finish his career in Queensland?
One thing is for certain – wherever Ben Hunt lands, he will bring with him a wealth of experience, a proven track record of success, and a burning desire to add one more premiership to his résumé before hanging up the boots. For now, all eyes are on the Hunt.
