Ben Hunt’s future with the St George Illawarra Dragons has been resolved, as the club has confirmed that the veteran halfback will not be offered a contract extension beyond the 2025 season. After months of speculation, the Dragons have made the decision to part ways with their captain, allowing Hunt to explore new opportunities for 2026 and beyond. Despite his proven talent and leadership on the field, Hunt is facing challenges in finding suitors as he nears the end of his NRL career.
Hunt, who has been with the Dragons since 2018, has been a key figure for the club, leading from the front and consistently performing at a high level. However, despite his efforts, the Dragons have struggled to achieve consistent success, making the finals just once during his seven seasons with the club. As a result, the Dragons are now focused on rebuilding for the future and are prioritizing younger talent over re-signing their experienced captain.
Throughout his tenure at St George Illawarra, Hunt has earned a reputation as one of the NRL’s most hardworking and dependable players. His ability to guide his team around the field and perform under pressure has been crucial for the Dragons. However, his form toward the end of the 2024 season raised questions about whether extending his contract would be the right move for the club. With the Dragons set on moving forward, the decision to let Hunt test the market for 2026 came as no surprise to many within the rugby league community.
Despite his availability, Hunt is finding it difficult to attract interest from other NRL clubs. Teams are increasingly focused on long-term player development, and while Hunt’s experience and leadership are undeniable, many clubs are opting to invest in younger players who can contribute for years to come. His high salary expectations, a result of his substantial pay during his time at the Dragons, have also posed a challenge for potential suitors.
One possible option for Hunt’s future could lie in the UK’s Super League, where several NRL veterans have found success in the later stages of their careers. The Super League offers a different environment with slightly less physical demands than the NRL, which could allow Hunt to extend his playing career while continuing to perform at a high level. For now, however, Hunt’s immediate focus will be on finishing his final season with the Dragons and helping the club make one last push for success before his departure.
As Ben Hunt prepares for his final year in the Red V, the Dragons will begin the process of finding his replacement, signaling the end of an era for the club. While Hunt’s next move remains uncertain, his contribution to the Dragons and the NRL as a whole will be remembered as one of hard work, leadership, and resilience.