The future of veteran halfback Ben Hunt at St George Illawarra Dragons is shrouded in uncertainty as the team faces a crucial juncture. With the 2024 NRL season behind them and the Dragons narrowly missing out on finals contention, the spotlight is firmly on Hunt, whose form in critical matches has come under scrutiny. Phil Gould, a respected voice in rugby league, has weighed in on the situation, presenting a candid assessment of the facts that could influence Hunt’s future with the Dragons.
At 34 years old, Hunt has been a stalwart for the Dragons, showcasing his elite playmaking abilities and consistently ranking among the top halfbacks in the game. However, despite his impressive individual performances, including leading the competition in try assists for the 2024 season, the Dragons have struggled to translate this into team success. The team’s inability to secure a spot in the top eight has prompted a re-evaluation of Hunt’s role and future at the club.
Phil Gould’s comments on Wide World Of Sports’ “Six Tackles With Gus” provide a stark view of the current situation. According to Gould, the Dragons have decided not to extend Hunt’s contract beyond its current term, which concludes at the end of the 2025 season. This decision marks a significant shift from earlier intentions, as Hunt was previously offered a contract extension through to the end of 2026. With the captain now off-contract at the end of next season, he will be available to rival clubs from November 1.
Gould’s analysis highlights the complexity of the situation. “Ben Hunt is one of the elite players in the game,” Gould stated, acknowledging Hunt’s talent and competitive nature. However, he also pointed out the disconnect between Hunt’s individual success and the team’s overall performance. “In Ben Hunt’s time at the Dragons, how many times have they made the top-eight? Look at the world the way you like it and look at the world the way it is, they are facts and you can’t get away from those.”
Despite Hunt’s standout performances, including his leading try assists tally, the Dragons have struggled to achieve consistent success. Gould noted that the only time Hunt’s form coincided with notable team results was in 2018, when the Dragons benefited from a strong forward pack and the contributions of Gareth Widdop. This context underscores the challenge the Dragons face in balancing individual brilliance with collective success.
Adding to the complexity is the current depth of playmaking options at the Dragons. Kyle Flanagan, the coach’s son, has played a significant role in the No.6 jersey but is not viewed as a long-term solution for the Dragons’ halves. Lykhan King-Togia, a promising young talent, was given a first-grade opportunity late in the season, but relying on a teenager for a key playmaking role could be problematic without an experienced halfback alongside him.
Given these factors, coach Shane Flanagan will likely need to explore the player market in November to find a suitable replacement or complement for the halves. Gould expressed skepticism about the availability of top-tier talent in the current market, but Flanagan’s track record as a shrewd operator suggests he could still find valuable additions. Potential targets could include players like Braydon Trindall, Jackson Hastings, Jonah Pezet, and Lachlan Ilias, who may be seeking new opportunities.
Raiders’ Jamal Fogarty is another name to consider, although he has an option in his contract for 2026 that has yet to be activated. Canterbury’s Toby Sexton also faces an uncertain future, with emerging talents like Mitchell Woods potentially making an impact in the long term.
As the Dragons navigate this pivotal moment, the decision on Ben Hunt’s future will be crucial. The club must weigh the benefits of retaining one of the game’s premier halfbacks against the potential need for a new direction. While Hunt’s immediate future remains uncertain, the Dragons are faced with the task of preparing for a future that may require new strategies and personnel.
