NRL Editorial and Opinion

Top FIVE landing spots for Ben Hunt

The Dragons captain has been told he can look elsewhere.

Published by
Dan Nichols

This is supposed to be the off-season. Yet news is flying thick and fast.

Today's main story is that the St George Illawarra Dragons have told their marquee man Ben Hunt that he is free to look elsewhere for 2025.

The news is set to have a host of coaches scrambling for their books in order to find a way to add the Maroons regulars to their side.

Below are the five sides I believe are most likely landing destinations for Ben Hunt:

Gold Coast Titans

Cast your minds back to when Ben Hunt gave a post-game interview that seemed to double as a goodbye to the Dragons.

Talks were he was headed for a pre-season switch to Brisbane before landing at the Titans full-time. I see no reason why that move can't happen now, sans the trip via the Broncos.

Yes, the Titans cap is going to be tight after adding Reagan Campbell-Gillard to a side boasting the names David Fifita and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, but they need to find a way.

I would be shocked if Des Hasler hasn't already had a chat with his staff, and perhaps even Hunt himself.

Despite Kieran Foran having a brilliant 2024 season, the Titans need a genuine halves leader to partner young Jayden Campbell. Foran is a week-to-week prospect at times, so it wouldn't hurt to have three players available to fill into two, so cast that issue aside.

If there is money there, the Titans need to attack this move with everything they have available to them. With brutal honesty, they probably wish they'd waited another week to pen RCG to that deal, given the circumstances now.

Brisbane Broncos

The aforementioned plan was for Hunt to visit Brisbane for the rest of the season before heading south to the Gold Coast.

Perhaps the Titans part of this drops off with Hunt landing at the Broncos to play hooker. I'm not sure whether Hunt wants to make the switch full time but every time he plays for Queensland or the Kangaroos in the hooker role, he stars.

There are reported big changes coming at Red Hill, with Selwynn Cobbo looking as though his future lies elsewhere.

You'd have to think Cobbo out for Hunt is a swap the Broncos would be willing to make.I know the money may not add up, but the Broncos need to find a way to make it add up.

This is a perfect opportunity that has been presented by the Dragons. The Broncos will be one of the clubs ready to poune.

Sydney Roosters

After losing Luke Keary to the Super League and Sam Walker to an ACL injury, suddenly a spot as the lead half in red, white and blue looks up for grabs.

Chad Townsend has been signed but if you ask 100 people who'd they rather wearing the seven, 101 return an answer of Ben Hunt.

The Roosters would surely be swimming in cap space given the millions of dollars of talent they are seeing leave the club.

If Hunt wants to chase a Premiership, the Roosters look his best option. With Walker due back at the end of the season and with Sandon Smith presenting a promising future, this looks like a potential short-term option.

That said, the Roosters will be looking to ensure they don't fall off as a result of losing so many superstars.

Ben Hunt could very well make the short switch across Sydney and end up a Roosters.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Phil Gould has not been shy in saying how far the Dogs are under the cap. It may have been in preparation for this very opportunity.

Toby Sexton had a stellar 2024 season but, with the greatest of respects, he is not Ben Hunt. Hunt's arrival would take the pressure off Matt Burton and open up both sides of the field in terms of attack.

A halves combination of Hunt and Burton certain has them looking very capable of taking that next step in 2025.

If Hunt wants to stay in Sydney, this presents a brilliant option. He could literally make the switch tomorrow and add what, 20 minutes to his commute?

The Dogs are positioned to achieve something special over the next few seasons. Signing Ben Hunt would help quicken those special things that are arriving. Expect Gus Gould to be having conversions right away.

Newcastle Knights

The Knights have taken steps to free up cap space for 2025 and beyond. Daniel Saitifi has shifted to the Dolphins while the club is reportedly shopping multiple players.

You'd have to think those moves came with a desired outcome but a potential Ben Hunt signing could move that timeframe up to right now.

The Knights need a genuine number seven. They entered the Finals without a number one halves combination. With Jackson Hastings linked with a move back to the Super League, you'd have to imagine Adam O'Brien is open to ideas to improving is halves stocks.

Newcastle look a pretty distant number five option here but if they can move Brailey and Hastings on, as rumoured, then suddenly they become a player.

Published by
Dan Nichols