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.
The first of two options from the Super League competition is former Parramatta Eels and current Wigan Warriors playmaker Bevan French, who has led Wigan to back-to-back Super League titles.
Awarded the 2023 Man of Steel - the Super League equivalent to NRL's Dally M medal - he has taken his game to new heights after transitioning from the outside backs to the halves and has regularly been linked with a return to the NRL.
One of the competition's hottest commodities, Immortal Andrew Johns, revealed that the Newcastle Knights were interested in him before signing Jack Cogger and Will Pryce. He stated the following:
"He's one of those players that you can't coach against because you don't know what he is going to do. He would be a sensation if he came back," he said.
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Although French inked a four-year extension with Wigan earlier this year, he could very well find himself back in the NRL before the expiration of his contract.
While it is unknown if he has an 'NRL Clause' in his contract, the Dragons could still potentially secure his services but would need to pay a significant transfer fee in which Hunt's $950,000 salary could help them afford French.
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.