In a heartfelt message to Ben Hunt, new St. George Illawarra Dragons recruit Damien Cook has made it clear that the star halfback played a significant role in his decision to join the club. Cook, who will captain Australia’s Prime Minister’s XIII against Papua New Guinea this Sunday, has urged Hunt to stay with the Dragons amidst mounting speculation about his future.
Cook, now 33, made his NRL debut with the Dragons in 2013, and after stints with the Bulldogs and the Rabbitohs, he’s returned to the Red V in pursuit of his first NRL premiership. But as Cook prepares to rejoin the Dragons on a two-year deal, rumors are swirling that Ben Hunt may be on the verge of an exit. Hunt, a vital player for the Maroons and the Kangaroos, is contracted with the Dragons until the end of 2025. However, persistent reports suggest he’s eyeing a return to Queensland to close out his career, raising concerns about his commitment to St. George Illawarra.
The relationship between Hunt and coach Shane Flanagan is rumored to be strained after a brutal end-of-season review. Some even speculate that Hunt may be looking to relinquish his captaincy ahead of a possible departure. But Cook dismissed these rumors, expressing his confidence in Hunt’s leadership and his hope that the star halfback will remain with the team.
“Benny Hunt is a big reason why I’m going down there, to have him as my halfback,” Cook told SEN. “He’s a great leader and a big reason as to why they’ve been so competitive. He steers those young boys around the park so well. He’s a leader, and I’m looking forward to getting down there and playing under him.”
Flanagan, who had a mostly successful first season as Dragons coach, has been busy reinforcing the squad for 2025. Alongside Cook, the Dragons are set to welcome star centre Valentine Holmes, with talks ongoing to bring in additional talent like Josh Addo-Carr and Clint Gutherson. However, Hunt’s uncertain future casts a shadow over the club’s plans.
Gutherson, in particular, could be a key addition to the Dragons’ lineup. The Parramatta Eels captain was recently granted permission to negotiate with rival clubs, and Flanagan has already expressed interest in bringing him on board. Cook echoed this sentiment, saying that Gutherson would be a massive asset to the Dragons’ bid for premiership glory.
“I might send him a message,” Cook said, keen on the idea of Gutherson joining him at the Dragons. “It would be great to have him down there. There are a number of positions he can play, and just around the team, he provides so much value. He knows how to bring a team together really well.”
As the Dragons gear up for the 2025 season, the future of their captain remains a hot topic. While Cook is excited to lead Australia’s XIII and return to the club where his NRL journey began, his message to Ben Hunt is clear: don’t walk away now.
Whether Hunt stays or leaves, one thing is certain—the Dragons are assembling a formidable roster, with their sights firmly set on the premiership. And with Cook’s leadership and Hunt’s potential return to form, the Red V may soon find themselves back in title contention.