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.
Seen as Jahrome Hughes' future successor, Jonah Pezet is currently in talks with the Melbourne Storm over a contract extension. However, this could surprisingly work in the Dragons' favour.
Reports fromย The Daily Telegraph have indicated that while Pezet is close to re-signing with the Storm, a 12-month loan clause could be inserted into his contract.
This would see him follow the same path as hooker Harry Grant who spent a season at the Wests Tigers due to being behind Cameron Smith and Brandon Smith at the time.
In what could be a win-win for both clubs, he could provide an immediate impact for the Dragons as they can take their time to secure a higher-profile star on a long-term basis, and it would allow the Storm to see him receive more game time.
Regarded as one of the best young playmakers in the NRL, Pezet has an incredibly bright future ahead of him, and several clubs, such as the Newcastle Knights, have previously shown an interest in him.
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.