Following Canterbury’s withdrawal of interest in the star halfback, Ben Hunt is anticipated to decide his playing future as early as this week.
On Sunday, Canterbury pulled out and backed their own No. 7 Toby Sexton, making the contest to sign Hunt formally between three NRL clubs.
The three remaining NRL teams that are interested are the Sydney Roosters, Dolphins, and Brisbane; an English Super League team has also submitted a bid.
Hunt is currently weighing his options before making a decision as soon as this week after meeting with each club and receiving their offers.
For the 34-year-old, who was officially released by St George Illawarra, the choice is not definitive.
Given their salary-cap status, it is expected that the Dolphins would prevail if it were solely based on money.
However, Hunt must choose whether to leave Sydney and go back to Queensland with his partner Bridget.
Both of their families still reside far north of the Tweed River, but they are content with their lives in Sydney and have kids in school.
Hunt’s desire to position himself to win a premiership for the first time is another factor.
The Roosters can give Hunt the opportunity to assist the team maintain their status as legitimate championship contenders by providing them with the halves they sorely need.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Brandon Smith’s future at the Roosters as an off-contract player, a long-term transfer to hooker may potentially be in the cards.
After losing in the 2015 grand final, Hunt has talked about the allure of trying to win a trophy with Brisbane and the romance of going back to his junior club.
Even if the Broncos had a terrible season this year, their run to the 2023 championship game serves as a reminder of what that team is capable of.
On the other hand, the Dolphins are a mystery.
Even though Hunt doesn’t appear to have any affiliation with the team, they might still send him and his family back to Queensland.
Although they almost missed out on the finals the previous season, there is also the opportunity to serve as a mentor to young Dophins half Isaiya Katoa.
The Dolphins’ highly rated coach, Kristian Woolf, has worked with Hunt confidants Wayne Bennett and Anthony Griffin in the past.
In other news, Lachlan Ilias is anticipated to be confirmed by the Dragons as Hunt’s replacement in Wollongong in the next few days.
Since being benched by South Sydney two games into the previous season and then breaking his leg in a NSW Cup match a few rounds later, Ilias has not played in the first division.
Unless there are any last-minute glitches, the 24-year-old, who is still regarded as a young star, will play with Kyle Flanagan in the Dragons’ halves next season.