Outgoing St. George Illawarra Dragons captain Ben Hunt has opened up about his tumultuous exit from the club, revealing that communication with head coach Shane Flanagan was nonexistent during the final stages of his departure. In a candid interview, Hunt expressed his feelings about leaving the Dragons and hinted at a potential return to his childhood club, the Brisbane Broncos, which he described as a “pretty special” opportunity.
Hunt’s exit from the Dragons was anything but smooth. After being granted an immediate release from his $900,000-a-year contract, he found himself at the center of significant attention in the player market. Both the Dolphins and Broncos have reportedly approached his management, eager to bring him back to Queensland. This interest underscores Hunt’s status as one of the hottest properties in rugby league right now, following a series of challenges that marred his time with the Dragons.
Reflecting on his departure, Hunt disclosed that the situation at St. George Illawarra had become untenable, to the point where he dreaded returning to training for the pre-season. “It got to the point where something had to happen, and it’s true. I didn’t want to go back and train with the club,” he admitted. This statement highlights the depth of his discontent and the significant emotional toll that the season had taken on him.
Despite the strain of his exit, Hunt clarified that he never had a major issue with Flanagan, emphasizing that his final discussions regarding his departure were held with the club’s CEO, Ryan Webb, and the general manager of football, Ben Haran. However, the lack of communication from Flanagan post-exit has raised eyebrows and suggests underlying issues within the club’s hierarchy. “I haven’t heard from Shane, and I guess that says something about where things are at,” Hunt remarked, alluding to a disconnect that could be reflective of broader challenges faced by the Dragons.
As Hunt contemplates his next move, the prospect of returning to the Broncos looms large. He expressed a sense of nostalgia and excitement at the thought of rejoining a club that holds a significant place in his heart. For Hunt, a return to Brisbane would not only signify a fresh start but also an opportunity to reconnect with his roots and contribute to a team that has a rich history and a passionate fan base.
The saga surrounding Hunt’s exit is emblematic of the complex dynamics often present in professional sports, where player relationships with management and coaches can rapidly change. As he navigates this transition, Hunt’s focus now shifts to finding a new home where he can revitalize his career and regain the joy of playing the game he loves.
With interest from two Queensland clubs and his aspirations for a special return to the Broncos, the next chapter for Ben Hunt promises to be an intriguing one. Whether he ultimately dons the Broncos jersey again or finds another opportunity, fans and pundits alike will be keenly watching how this narrative unfolds in the coming weeks.
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