Dragons give Ben Hunt permission to speak with rival NRL clubs

St George Illawarra Dragons captain Ben Hunt has been granted permission by the club to test the open market immediately.

Hunt’s deal at the Dragons is set to expire at the end of the 2026 NRL season, meaning he would become a free agent on November 1 this year.

However, the club will now consider releasing him in a player swap deal.

Soon after Hunt was granted permission to speak with rival clubs, rumours surfaced of a possible deal with the Dolphins that would Tongan halfback Isaiya Katoa to the Dragons.

However, incoming Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf has made it clear that Katoa is part of his plans.

“I love what Isaiya Katoa brings,” he said recently.

“He’s an outstanding halfback and he’s a guy that I think is going to be an elite halfback in the NRL and I think he’s already shown that.

Woolf went on to say he has had no contact with Hunt and that “at the moment it’s not something I’m interested in talking about”.

Reports have suggested that Hunt is eager on relocating back to his home state of Queensland, prompting rumours involving all three clubs in the state’s southeast.

The Titans have allegedly ruled themselves out of contention for Hunt’s signature.

Gold Coast already have Jayden Campbell, Kieran Foran, Tanah Boyd and Tom Weaver on the books — as well as former Wallaby Carter Gordon, who changed codes earlier this year.

The Broncos have also been discussed as a possible destination.

Initial discussions appeared to revolve around Hunt returning to the club in the dummy-half role — a position he isn’t interested in playing full-time.

Further, young gun Blake Mozer is expected to take over the No.9 jersey soon for Brisbane, while Adam Reynolds is entrenched at halfback.

The uncertainty around Hunt’s future comes after yet another season where he failed to steer the Dragons into the NRL finals.

Online bookmakers have St George Illawarra second from bottom in 2025 NRL Premiership betting at $51.

Sports betting tips