Incoming Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has reportedly rejected Ben Hunt's request for an early release.
As reported byย News Corp, Flanagan has flatly rejected Hunt's request to leave the club and will not entertain the idea.
News reports broke earlier today fromย Nine's Danny Weidler that Ben Hunt has indicated to Dragons' management that he wants out of the club, despite having two years left on his current contract.
EXCLUSIVE: Ben Hunt has decided to ask for a release from @NRL_Dragons
The Shane Flanagan appointment has not settled him. Has confided in his inner circle he wants out. Unsure if heโs made contact with officials at club but influential Dragons are aware. @9NewsSyd @NRLonNine— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) June 17, 2023
The playmaker has been linked to both the Bulldogs and Titans, with the latter being Hunt's ideal choice as it will see him return back to Queensland.
โHe'll be captain and our halfback and we'll move forward,โ Flanagan told News Corp.
โHe's got a contract. I haven't bothered him because he's in Origin camp but we'll chat after the game.โ
When fronted by the media earlier this week, Ben Hunt failed to silence doubters on where he would land.
โI really haven't made any decisions on (my future) yet. I haven't talked to โFlanno' or anyone since the decisions were made,โ Hunt said viaย News Corp.
โThere's always a couple of clubs interested that have thrown their hat in the ring. I'm not going to go into too many details.
โI haven't had any official offers or anything from anyone at all. At the moment I'm contracted to the Dragons.โ
Was it last year when Payne Haas told the Broncos he wanted an uplift to a million, and the Broncs said “No – you’re contracted for $800K, and apart from which we have spent all the money in the cap.” So Payne asked for an immediate release, and the Broncos said “No – you’re contracted, not a free agent”.
After that, he seemed to calm down.
Maybe the same will apply to Ben Hunt. He’s out of sorts with the old coach getting the boot, and the way the club/team is going. Perhaps, if he stays for the rest of the year and the Dragons win some more matches and start playing properly, he will decide that honouring the contract is the best thing for him.