Dragons Closing in on Deal to Sign Out-of-Favour Halfback as Ben Hunt Replacement
The St George Illawarra Dragons are reportedly on the verge of securing a deal to sign an out-of-favour halfback as a replacement for the outgoing Ben Hunt, following reports that interest in Brodie Croft has significantly cooled. The Dragons, who have been in the market for a new playmaker since Hunt’s desire to leave the club became public, are now focusing their efforts on securing an experienced halfback who can step into the pivotal role and help guide the team forward.
Brodie Croft, the star halfback from the Brisbane Broncos, had been one of the primary candidates to fill the void left by Hunt, but recent reports suggest that the Dragons’ pursuit of Croft has lost momentum. With Croft’s future at Brisbane seemingly more stable after a string of strong performances, St George Illawarra has shifted its focus to other options. The club is now closing in on an alternative target: a seasoned halfback who has struggled to find consistent playing time with his current club.
The Hunt Situation
Ben Hunt’s decision to leave the Dragons has been a significant talking point in the NRL over the past few months. The experienced halfback, who has been a key player for St George Illawarra since joining in 2018, made it clear he was seeking a move away from the club to pursue a fresh start. Hunt’s departure has left a substantial gap in the Dragons’ spine, as he has been the team’s chief playmaker, guiding them through many tough battles.
The situation has created a pressing need for the Dragons to secure a high-quality halfback who can not only step into Hunt’s shoes but also provide leadership on the field. With the club’s future direction in mind, St George Illawarra’s recruitment team has been actively exploring options to find the ideal replacement.
The Focus on an Out-of-Favour Halfback
The out-of-favour halfback the Dragons are reportedly closing in on is a player with significant NRL experience, although his current club has not been able to provide him with regular game time. Sources suggest that the halfback in question has been on the periphery of his current team, struggling to break into the starting lineup, but still has the potential to make an impact in a new environment. The Dragons are hoping that the change of scenery will revitalize the player’s career, providing the club with a fresh, experienced option to complement their attacking setup.
This potential signing represents a strategic move by the Dragons, who are aiming to strengthen their halves pairing with a player capable of offering both creativity and control in the playmaking department. The experience the halfback brings could also provide stability to a Dragons team that has often struggled to find consistency in the halfback position.
Why the Deal Makes Sense for Both Sides
For the player in question, the move to the Dragons presents an opportunity to regain his form and carve out a more prominent role in a new team. With Ben Hunt’s departure, there is a clear pathway to a starting position, and the out-of-favour halfback will be looking to make the most of the opportunity. A successful stint at the Dragons could also help reignite his NRL career, which may have stagnated in his current club environment.
For the Dragons, securing a player with established NRL experience is crucial to their plans for the 2024 season and beyond. The Dragons have a young and developing squad, and the addition of an experienced halfback would help guide the team and provide mentorship for emerging playmakers. Furthermore, signing a player who has had a difficult time at his current club could be a smart move, as the player may be motivated to prove his worth and showcase his abilities.
Looking Ahead
The deal to sign the out-of-favour halfback is expected to be finalized in the coming days, with the Dragons eager to get the player into pre-season training ahead of the 2024 NRL season. With Ben Hunt’s departure looming large, the pressure will be on the new halfback to quickly settle into the Dragons’ system and deliver performances that can help push the team back toward finals contention.
As the Dragons’ recruitment team continues to finalize this deal, the future of the club’s halfback position looks set to be more secure. With an experienced playmaker potentially joining the ranks, the Dragons are hopeful that the 2024 season will mark a new chapter, with the right leadership and talent in place to make a serious push for the NRL finals.
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