Former St. George Illawarra Dragons captain Ben Hunt has spoken candidly about his difficult departure from the club, shedding light on his strained relationship with the fans. Now back home with the Brisbane Broncos, Hunt revealed how the backlash he faced during his exit deeply affected him, especially given his years of commitment to the team.
“I never got the support all through the period I was planning to leave,” Hunt said. “I see many people calling me names, and these are people who know nothing about what’s happening behind the scenes. It got to me. I gave my all for the team, but what I got in return from the fans was shocking.”
Hunt drew comparisons to the way Parramatta Eels’ new recruit, Josh Addo-Carr, was treated by fans during his tumultuous exit from the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Despite being sacked by his former club, Addo-Carr received an overwhelming wave of support from Eels fans, who rallied behind the player.
“I was so surprised to see how the fans stood behind him [Addo-Carr] all through that period,” Hunt admitted. “It’s hard to understand why the fans were turning on me when I had done everything I could for the team.”
Addo-Carr’s ability to leave behind the controversies surrounding his departure and transition seamlessly into the Eels lineup has been a stark contrast to Hunt’s experience. The Dragons fans’ vitriol towards Hunt stands as a reminder of the pressure placed on players, even those with long-standing contributions to their teams.
Hunt spent six seasons with the Dragons, serving as their captain and often being the focal point of their attacking strategies. During his tenure, he racked up impressive statistics, including 34 try assists in his final year—an NRL best. However, his request to leave the club amid internal struggles and a lack of success sparked outrage among fans, overshadowing his contributions.
“Fans don’t always see the bigger picture,” Hunt remarked. “There’s so much that happens behind the scenes that they don’t know about. All I ever wanted was what’s best for my career and the team.”
Hunt’s return to the Broncos marks a fresh chapter in his career, and he is eager to put the Dragons saga behind him. With the support of a strong fanbase and a renewed sense of purpose, Hunt hopes to focus on his performance and help the Broncos chase another title.
“I’m happy to be home,” Hunt said. “The Broncos have welcomed me with open arms, and I’m looking forward to giving my all for this team.”
Hunt’s comments about the Dragons fanbase highlight the often-complicated relationship between players and supporters, particularly during moments of transition. His reflections serve as a reminder that players are more than just athletes—they are individuals navigating the highs and lows of their careers in the public eye.
While Hunt is moving on, the comparison to Addo-Carr underscores the significant role fan support plays in shaping a player’s exit and legacy. As he starts anew with the Broncos, Hunt will undoubtedly hope to leave behind the bitterness of his Dragons departure and forge a positive connection with his new fanbase.