Ben Hunt stays open to ending his NRL profession in Queensland however insists he’ll first see out the ultimate 12 months of his St George Illawarra contract.
The half’s future has been topic to intrigue since his drawn-out, finally unsuccessful push for a launch from his Dragons deal when coach Anthony Griffin was sacked in mid-2023.
Griffin’s successor Shane Flanagan finally talked Seek out to the purpose the captain spoke of his need to signal a brand new deal for 2026, although the Dragons later put contract talks on maintain.
Forward of the final season of his multi-million greenback contract, Hunt was informed by Flanagan that his kind was lower than normal because the Dragons capitulated from finals rivalry in 2024.
“There’s been a little bit of noise round that (end-of-season evaluation). I’m not too certain the place it’s come from, clearly somebody stated one thing someplace,” Hunt stated.
“It was a bit disappointing that every one the knowledge did get on the market.”
Hunt discovered it troublesome to abdomen lacking finals, however as he appeared to Australia’s Pacific Championships marketing campaign, the veteran stated he remained joyful on the Dragons.
A high-ranking membership supply informed AAP that Hunt was a part of the Dragons’ plans for 2025.
“Yeah mate, there’s nothing fallacious on my finish,” Hunt stated when requested whether or not he could be on the membership subsequent 12 months.
“I used to be dissatisfied with how the season ended, as most likely most Dragons have been.
“I used to be fairly upset with a couple of issues and the way we completed the season however I’ll simply be making an attempt to get away and refresh myself. Now we’ve bought this (the Pacific Championships) on, it’s one thing I can concentrate on.”
A Brisbane junior with 187 Broncos caps to his identify, Hunt had been linked with a transfer again to both his previous membership or Gold Coast amid his ill-fated request for a launch final 12 months.
Hunt can be 35 by the top of subsequent season, however would entertain becoming a member of a Queensland-based membership for 2026 and may negotiate with rivals from November.
“I’ve all the time stated I’ll be open to it if the chance arose,” he stated.
“Queensland’s dwelling, I’ve had loads of nice occasions up right here, I’ve bought loads of household up right here. If that chance did come up, I’d by no means say no.
“Clearly November 1 is coming carefully however I’m in Australian camp now and I’m simply trying ahead to specializing in that.”
Hunt stated he was “grateful” to have made the Australian squad regardless of coach Mal Meninga flagging a brand new period by ringing the adjustments.
Hunt is grateful to be chosen within the Kangaroos squad once more. (Scott Radford-Chisholm/AAP PHOTOS)
Fellow veterans Daly Cherry-Evans, Jake Trbojevic and captain James Tedesco have been omitted from the squad forward of the sequence opener in opposition to Tonga in Brisbane this Friday.
“After I bought the decision and bought informed I used to be within the crew once more, you don’t know who else is in. Then you definately see the crew listing when it comes out,” he stated.
“To be nonetheless be picked and to know there have been loads of adjustments, I’m very grateful.”
© AAP
