Sad Departure: Ben Hunt Breaks Silence on Dragons Departure
Ben Hunt, one of the NRL’s most respected and talented players, has broken his silence on his controversial departure from the St. George Illawarra Dragons. The 34-year-old playmaker, who had been with the Dragons for several years, revealed his deep disappointment and mixed emotions over leaving the club, describing the exit as one of the most difficult decisions of his career.
In a heartfelt statement released to the media, Hunt expressed his sadness over the way his time with the Dragons came to an end. “It’s never easy to leave a club that you’ve spent so much time with,” he said. “I gave everything I had to this team and the fans, and it hurts to see it end the way it did. But sometimes, the situation becomes bigger than one player, and you have to make the tough decision that’s best for you and your career.”
Hunt’s departure came after a tumultuous period both on and off the field. Despite being the club’s star player, he had become increasingly disillusioned with the Dragons’ direction, particularly after the team’s struggles in recent seasons. His frustration with the club’s management, coaching decisions, and overall performance had been well-documented, and it was clear that tensions were rising behind the scenes.
In his statement, Hunt addressed the public criticism he had made earlier in the season, when he openly questioned the club’s leadership and the lack of support for players. “I know some of the comments I made earlier in the year weren’t easy to hear, but they came from a place of wanting the best for the team,” Hunt explained. “I’ve always been a player who wears his heart on his sleeve, and sometimes that means saying things that aren’t always popular. I never intended to hurt anyone, but I had to speak up for what I believed in.”
The comments, which had led to a rift between Hunt and some of his teammates, as well as a significant sponsor pulling their backing from both the player and the club, ultimately played a role in his decision to part ways with the Dragons. The club, too, had made it clear that they were seeking to move forward with a new vision and direction—one that no longer seemed to align with Hunt’s aspirations.
“I’ve always been committed to doing my best, but I also need to be in a place where I feel supported and where I can continue to grow as a player,” Hunt said. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I had with the Dragons, but I think it’s time for a fresh start. I’ve spoken with the club, and while it’s been tough, I think everyone agrees that this is the right move.”
Despite the acrimony surrounding his exit, Hunt made it clear that he would always have respect and gratitude for the Dragons’ fans. “The fans have been amazing, and I can’t thank them enough for their support over the years,” he said. “I’ll never forget the moments we shared together, and I hope the team gets back to where they belong.”
As for his future, Hunt remained tight-lipped about his next move. Speculation is rife that the veteran halfback could be eyeing a move to a new club, with several NRL teams reportedly interested in securing his services.
For now, though, Hunt is focused on reflecting on his career and ensuring that the next chapter is one where he can rediscover his love for the game and achieve the success that has so far eluded him in his later years.
The NRL world will be watching closely as Hunt navigates this new phase in his career, but his exit from the Dragons marks the end of a bittersweet chapter for both player and club.
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