A blockbuster NRL transfer could be on the horizon, with the Manly Sea Eagles reportedly in secret negotiations to secure the services of St. George Illawarra Dragons star, Ben Hunt. The news first surfaced after a fan’s post on X (formerly Twitter) revealed that the Sea Eagles are actively pursuing the veteran halfback, sparking heated debate across the league’s fanbase. The fan, claiming to have information from a reliable source, posted,
“Heard from a reliable source, Sea Eagles are secretly pushing to secure Ben Hunt from the Dragons.”
The revelation has since spread like wildfire, with various fan opinions flooding social media. While some supporters of the Sea Eagles have welcomed the possibility of signing Hunt, others are more skeptical, given his age and recent public discontent with the Dragons.
Ben Hunt’s time with the Dragons has been anything but smooth over the past year. The Dragons’ captain has been the center of speculation, particularly following his declaration earlier this year that he intended to leave the club after the 2024 season. A series of disappointing performances by the team, combined with managerial shifts and on-field struggles, have led to Hunt’s increasing frustration with the Dragons’ direction.
Hunt, who still has time left on his contract, has reportedly made it clear to the Dragons that he is ready to move on, sparking a frenzy among rival clubs vying for his signature. Clubs like the Gold Coast Titans, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, and even the Melbourne Storm have been mentioned as potential suitors. However, the news of the Sea Eagles entering the race has certainly added a new twist to the story.
For the Sea Eagles, landing a player of Ben Hunt’s caliber could be a game-changer. After a challenging 2024 campaign, the Sea Eagles are looking to bolster their squad for the upcoming season. Hunt, with his wealth of experience and leadership qualities, would be an ideal candidate to bring stability and direction to their halves combination, potentially partnering with Daly Cherry-Evans in what would be a formidable pairing.
Sea Eagles supporters are divided on the potential signing, though. Some argue that Hunt, at 34, may not be worth the reported price tag, especially with the Sea Eagles already juggling their salary cap. Others, however, see Hunt’s arrival as a necessary move to reignite their premiership ambitions.
“He would be a great addition. We need someone like him to steer the ship,” one fan posted in support of the move, while another argued, “We should be looking for younger talent, not veterans on their way out.”
Ben Hunt himself has been very open about his frustrations with the Dragons, particularly in recent months. His concerns about the club’s direction, coupled with the fan backlash he has received for expressing his desire to leave, have made it clear that his future likely lies elsewhere.
“I’ve been with the Dragons for a long time, and while I’ve enjoyed my time here, I feel it’s the right moment for a change,” Hunt previously stated in an interview. “I want to play for a club that aligns with my goals, and that’s what I’m looking for.”
Despite this, some Dragons fans remain hopeful that Hunt could be convinced to stay, especially given his long-standing commitment to the club and the impact he has had both on and off the field.
While nothing has been officially confirmed yet, the prospect of Ben Hunt joining the Sea Eagles has certainly caught the attention of NRL fans and analysts alike. For the Sea Eagles, securing Hunt would not only add depth to their squad but also send a strong signal of their ambitions for the upcoming season.
As the negotiations unfold, the Dragons will have to brace themselves for life without their captain. Hunt’s departure would leave a significant gap in their halves, forcing the club to prioritize finding a suitable replacement quickly. The Dragons have already been linked to a number of emerging talents, but filling Hunt’s shoes will undoubtedly be a challenging task.
With the transfer window open and Hunt’s options still in play, it remains to be seen whether the Sea Eagles can successfully pull off this high-stakes move. For now, fans will have to wait as the transfer saga continues to develop.
One thing is clear: wherever Hunt ends up, it will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the career of one of the NRL’s most talked-about stars.