Ben Hunt’s family has publicly expressed their outrage over the treatment of the Australian rugby league star by the St George Illawarra Dragons, accusing the club of being “unworthy of our son’s loyalty.” The statement, which has quickly ignited controversy within the NRL, follows months of tension between Hunt and the Dragons over the player’s future at the club, as well as the handling of contract negotiations.
In a fiery statement released to the media, Hunt’s family did not hold back in their criticism of the Dragons’ management, describing their actions as disrespectful and damaging to Ben’s career. The statement highlighted the emotional toll the saga had taken on Hunt, a veteran of the game and one of the NRL’s most consistent and respected players.
“We are deeply saddened and disappointed by the way our son has been treated by the St George Illawarra Dragons,” the statement read. “The lack of respect shown to him by the club’s leadership has been nothing short of appalling. Ben has given his heart and soul to this team for years, yet his loyalty has been met with nothing but mismanagement and disregard.”
The rift between Hunt and the Dragons has been growing for months, with the 34-year-old halfback reportedly seeking a release from his contract, which runs until 2025. Hunt’s desire to leave the club stems from his belief that the Dragons’ current management and coaching structure do not align with his aspirations to compete for a premiership in the twilight years of his career.
The family’s statement points to the club’s failure to properly communicate with Hunt throughout the process. “At every turn, Ben has been forced to fight for the respect and recognition he deserves,” the statement continued. “Instead of engaging in honest, transparent discussions, the club has continually dragged its feet, offering little to no clarity about his future. We are now forced to take this public stance because the club’s actions—or lack thereof—have made it impossible for Ben to move forward.”
The controversy has sparked widespread debate among NRL fans and pundits, with many questioning the Dragons’ handling of the situation. Some have expressed sympathy for Hunt, acknowledging his loyalty and leadership, while others have suggested the club is justified in holding onto a player under contract.
Despite the tensions, Hunt has maintained a level of professionalism on the field, continuing to play at an elite level. However, it is clear that his family believes the emotional toll of the situation is taking its toll. “Our son has been loyal to this club for a long time, but loyalty should be a two-way street,” they added. “Ben deserves to finish his career in a way that reflects his immense contribution to the game. Unfortunately, that does not seem possible at the Dragons.”
The statement ends with a strong declaration of Ben Hunt’s desire to secure a move to another club, stating that his family no longer believes the Dragons are the right environment for him to achieve his goals. The family’s scathing words have placed added pressure on the Dragons’ management, who now face questions about how they intend to resolve the issue without further alienating one of the club’s most talented players.
As the situation unfolds, the NRL world is watching closely, eager to see how the Dragons respond and what the future holds for Ben Hunt.
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