The recent drama surrounding Ben Hunt’s anticipated move to the Brisbane Broncos appears to have been resolved, according to St. George Illawarra Dragons head coach Shane Flanagan. In a press briefing on Monday, Flanagan revealed that he had spoken with Hunt, wishing him luck at his new club and assuring fans that any lingering tensions were now a thing of the past.
This development marks the conclusion of a tense few months for the Dragons, during which Hunt, their star halfback and captain, was at the center of a public trade saga. The situation raised questions about loyalty, communication, and the pressure of high-profile roles in professional rugby league.
Speaking candidly, Flanagan addressed the rumors that had plagued the team for weeks. “Look, I called Ben to wish him the best at the Broncos. It was important to clear the air,” Flanagan explained. “There’s been a lot of noise, but at the end of the day, we’ve got to respect each other’s decisions. Ben’s been a fantastic servant for the Dragons, and I wish him nothing but success moving forward.”
Flanagan’s remarks are significant, as they signal a mutual understanding between coach and player. Hunt, a seasoned playmaker with over 300 NRL appearances, has often been described as the glue holding the Dragons together during turbulent times. Yet, the allure of joining the Broncos—a club where he began his career—proved too strong to resist.
Hunt’s potential departure from the Dragons first made headlines earlier this year, when reports emerged that he was unhappy with the team’s direction. Fans were quick to voice their concerns, with many questioning why the Dragons were willing to let go of their captain so easily.
At the time, Hunt remained tight-lipped, offering only a brief statement. “My focus is on playing good footy for the Dragons,” he said in June. However, speculation intensified as his performances on the field began to waver, leading to widespread belief that his heart was already set on Brisbane.
The 33-year-old’s move to the Broncos represents a homecoming of sorts. Hunt began his NRL journey with Brisbane in 2009, playing eight seasons and leading the club to a Grand Final in 2015. Although the Broncos fell short in that epic decider against the North Queensland Cowboys, Hunt’s contributions cemented his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable playmakers.
For Flanagan, managing Hunt’s exit has been both a challenge and an opportunity to demonstrate his leadership. Appointed as the Dragons’ head coach earlier this year, Flanagan inherited a team struggling for consistency. The loss of their captain could have derailed their plans further, but Flanagan is optimistic about the future.
“This isn’t just about one player,” Flanagan emphasized. “The Dragons are a team with a rich history and plenty of talent coming through the ranks. We’ll continue to build and work towards success.”
Flanagan’s confidence is buoyed by the emergence of young players like Tyrell Sloan and Jayden Sullivan, who are expected to take on more prominent roles next season.
For the Broncos, the acquisition of Hunt could be the missing piece in their quest to secure another NRL title. The team, fresh off a near-miss in the 2023 Grand Final, will benefit from Hunt’s experience and leadership. Broncos head coach Kevin Walters shared his excitement about Hunt’s return.
“Ben is a true professional. He knows what it takes to compete at the highest level, and we’re thrilled to have him back,” Walters said. “His understanding of the game is second to none, and I have no doubt he’ll be a massive asset for us.”
As the dust settles on this saga, fans of both clubs will be eager to see how Hunt adapts to life back at Brisbane and how the Dragons recalibrate under Flanagan’s stewardship.
For now, though, Flanagan’s conciliatory tone suggests that all parties are moving forward. “There’s no bad blood here,” he said in closing. “We’re focused on what’s ahead, and so is Ben.”
With the 2024 NRL season on the horizon, one thing is certain: the spotlight will remain firmly on Ben Hunt and the legacy he continues to build.