The recent announcement of Ben Hunt’s contract termination with the St. George Illawarra Dragons has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community, with Hunt’s family voicing their displeasure in a fiery social media exchange. Hunt’s sister, Zoe, sparked an online uproar after responding to a fan’s post on X (formerly Twitter). The fan had shared a picture of Hunt with the caption,
“They don’t deserve his loyalty; he wasn’t treated right.” Zoe’s direct reply, though quickly deleted, resonated with many, stating that the club was “unworthy of our son’s loyalty.” The comment quickly circulated, stirring intense reactions from fans on both sides of the issue.
This sudden development has only fueled the longstanding rumors of tension between Hunt and the Dragons, and it marks a significant moment in Hunt’s career with the club. Despite his dedication and high-level performance, Hunt has faced repeated frustrations over the club’s trajectory, sparking speculation about a potential exit on multiple occasions.
Now, with his contract officially terminated, fans and analysts are left to dissect the family’s comments and the implications for both Hunt’s future and the Dragons’ rebuilding plans.
The bold statement by Hunt’s family is a rare insight into the emotional impact that this decision has had on those closest to him. “Our son gave everything to this club,” Zoe reportedly wrote. “He stayed loyal even when things weren’t going well, and this is how they repay him?”
Although the reply was quickly deleted, screenshots have continued to circulate, underscoring the deep frustration that Hunt’s family feels toward the Dragons’ handling of his tenure.
Fans who were already frustrated with the Dragons’ recent decisions were quick to rally around Zoe’s comment. “Ben Hunt deserved better than this,” wrote @DragonsTrueFan. “He gave his all, through highs and lows.
To terminate his contract this way is just disrespectful.” For many fans, the sentiment is simple: Ben Hunt’s loyalty to the Dragons has gone unappreciated, and they share in his family’s disappointment.
Others, however, felt the family’s public outburst only worsened an already tense situation. “With all due respect, social media isn’t the place for this,” commented @RugbySupporter91. “I get that emotions are high, but the club has its reasons, and airing grievances online won’t help anyone move forward.” For these supporters, Zoe’s comment represents a challenging balance between familial loyalty and the public nature of professional sports.
Hunt’s departure from the Dragons isn’t a complete surprise. Earlier this season, reports surfaced suggesting that Hunt was dissatisfied with the club’s direction and had requested a release. Despite his high profile and contributions, the Dragons found themselves struggling to match Hunt’s ambitions with a vision for the future.
At one point, Hunt’s frustrations were so pronounced that he openly considered other offers, though he ultimately stayed. The final contract termination, therefore, feels like the culmination of months of underlying tension between the player and the organization.
When the Dragons announced the termination, they framed it as a “mutual decision” to allow Hunt the chance to pursue other opportunities. “Ben has been a fantastic player for us, but sometimes it’s best to part ways,” said Dragons CEO Ryan Webb in an official statement. “We want to thank him for his years of dedication and wish him nothing but the best moving forward.” However, the public and Hunt’s family seem far from convinced that the decision was truly mutual or respectful.
The fallout on social media has shown just how deeply Hunt’s departure has impacted fans, with opinions sharply divided. Supporters of the Dragons argue that the club must focus on rebuilding, prioritizing players who are fully invested in their long-term vision. Others, however, see this move as a betrayal of a loyal player who has weathered the club’s ups and downs.
“Ben Hunt has been the heart of this team for so long,” wrote @HeartOfDragons. “If the club can’t recognize that, then they don’t deserve him. It’s as simple as that.” Another fan shared, “It’s painful to see him go, but I’d rather he finds a team that values him than stay with a club that’s clearly not supporting him.” Comments like these underscore the belief that Hunt has been undervalued, with many hoping he’ll find a team that can offer him both the respect and competitive environment he deserves.
Yet there are also fans who side with the Dragons, suggesting that Hunt’s public dissatisfaction may have strained his relationship with the organization to a breaking point. “If he wasn’t happy, it’s probably best for both sides to part ways,” one fan commented. “It’s not ideal, but sometimes it’s the only way forward.”
With his contract now terminated, the question remains: where will Ben Hunt take his talents next? Hunt has consistently demonstrated his ability to impact a team, and rumors are already swirling about potential suitors eager to bring him into their ranks. As one of the most experienced halfbacks in the game, Hunt’s availability will likely attract high-level interest from teams looking to strengthen their rosters.
For the Dragons, the decision to release Hunt represents a shift towards a different approach. But, as they face criticism for the way this separation was handled, the club will be under close scrutiny from fans and media alike. “If this is how they treat their most loyal player, what message does that send to others?” asked a fan, pointing to the challenges the Dragons may face in retaining future talent.
As Hunt’s family continues to express their disappointment, one thing is clear: this is an emotionally charged end to a defining chapter of Ben Hunt’s career. In the coming months, fans will eagerly watch to see where he lands, hoping he finds a team that will both appreciate his contributions and offer him the respect he’s been searching for.