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Incoming St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan insists Ben Hunt will see out his contract, despite reports the Dragons captain has told those close to him he wants out of the struggling club.
Hunt signed an extension through 2025 in October but is famously close with ousted coach Anthony Griffin, under whom he became a regular starting halfback at Brisbane 10 years ago.
Since the Dragons sacked Griffin last month following a six-game losing streak, speculation has swirled Hunt could agitate for a release.
The situation came to a head on Saturday when Channel Nine reported Hunt had told those close to him he wanted out of the club, which has failed to qualify for the finals since 2018.
Concerns had already been raised this week when Hunt told media during Queensland’s State of Origin camp he didn’t know how Flanagan’s appointment would affect his future plans.
Flanagan called Hunt before he had been confirmed as head coach to express his desire to field the 33-year-old at halfback rather than hooker, where he reluctantly spent time earlier this season.
On Saturday, the incoming Dragons coach reiterated his desire for Hunt to remain at the club in 2024.
“From the club’s perspective, Ben Hunt will be there,” Flanagan told 2GB’s Continuous Call Team
“He’s got a contract. I spoke to Ben before I actually signed because I didn’t want to become the Dragons coach and then (have) our halfback wanting out of the club, and he was fine with all that if I was to get the job.
“He’s in Origin camp at the moment, and I’m not going to worry him while he’s in there. I’ll get to him next week and I’m sure that’s OK.
“But from the club’s perspective; he’s our captain, he’s our halfback and we need him. I won’t be letting him go anywhere.”
Hunt has been a shining light for the Dragons amid five years languishing outside the top eight, and finished third on the Dally M leaderboard last season.
The club has no shortage of playmaking options, with highly touted local products Junior Amone and Jayden Sullivan jostling to partner Hunt in the halves.
Griffin’s loyalty to Hunt had previously been a source of tension at the Red V, with Sullivan requesting an early release from his contract in October last year before recanting.
Sullivan remains tied to the Dragons through 2025, with Amone signed on until 2024.
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