After seven seasons and 147 matches for the St George Illawarra Dragons, Ben Hunt's time at the club has come to an end after he was released from the final season of the contract.
His departure means that the Dragons will need to prepare for life without him and will produce a new halves combination next season and beyond as they aim to reach the NRL Finals series once again.
Zero Tacklesย takes a look at ten realistic options that Shane Flanagan and the Dragons could choose to replace the Australian Kangaroos and QLD Maroons representative.
All the players on the list are either without a contract for next season, have been linked with the club or rival teams, have an 'NRL clause' in their contract, or are currently playing at the Dragons.
The options include seven rival NRL players, two Super League playmakers and one player who is currently involved with the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Yet to sign a contract extension with the Gold Coast Titans for next season, Thomas Weaver is currently contracted and could become the latest playmaker to leave the Titans following Toby Sexton and Tanah Boyd out the door.
A former Under-19s NSW representative, Weaver has shown that he is capable of delivering on the NRL stage and would be a cheap option for the Dragons to bring in as they continue to scour the open market for a bigger marquee star.
Weaver has long been a first-grade potential player on the Gold Coast but has struggled to make his way into the side, stuck behind a mix ofย Kieran Foran,ย Jayden Campbell, and AJ Brimson.
"I'm excited for young Tommy Weaver," teammate AJ Brimson told Zero Tackle.
"He obviously played a few games last year, but he's a good player, and he's been impressing well.
"If he gets his chance, whether it's due to form injury or whatever, I'm hoping and expecting him to take it with both hands. He's a skilful player."
Pezet on loan for 12 months looks sensible, as does developing their home grown guy, King Togia. Developing your own (cheap) talent is the Penrith and Cronulla strategy, and that alone is a recommendation for the strategy.