‘Will not be there’: Hunt reveals contract regret as early Red V exit looms after 2024

Dragons gun Ben Hunt has revealed he has had to “accept” he will be playing for the Red V in 2024 but still wants to move his family back to Queensland.

The 33-year-old made a shock decision prior to this year’s Origin series, announcing he was seeking an immediate exit from the Dragons.

However, incoming coach Shane Flanagan has reportedly dug his heels in and Hunt told The Daily Telegraph he has come to terms with his fate next season.

“I’ve got my head around it for sure. I wouldn’t say I’m being held hostage. That’s a bit harsh. I have had to accept it in a way. I am going to be there,” he told News Corp.

“I can understand (frustration) from a fan point of view. I can assure the fans that I will always put my best foot forward. I’ll come back to pre-season in good shape and I’ll train hard.”

Hunt signed a two-year extension in October 2022, whilst Anthony Griffin was still at the helm.

The former Broncos and Panthers coach was later sacked midway through the 2023 season and Hunt explained he partially regrets re-signing.

“Yes in a way I do but also there is a part of me that doesn’t. As a rugby league player you like the security,” Hunt said.

“You have to only look recently with guys like Ryan Papenhuyzen. The game can spit you out really quick. There is a part of me that doesn’t but there is a part that does.”

Hunt is desperately hoping Flanagan will transform the Red V club, having battled for the wooden spoon this season.

He also said he could possible change his mind and stay at the Dragons in 2025 if some key areas improve.

“There’s a lot of things that I think need to happen to make that change. I don’t want to go into but there is a lot that needs to happen,” Hunt said.

“In my head there is a place we need to get to and it’s a long way away from where we are now.

“Flanno is the right guy to do it for sure. He has proven it in the past. It doesn’t matter what it is, he will get the job done.”

Hunt later told the Sydney Morning Herald the club needs “hard-nosed” NRL veterans to help turn them around.

“We still need more senior players there, for sure,” he said.

“We need guys who are hard-nosed NRL players who know what it looks like to win, and what it looks like to train like a professional every day.”

However, The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio was confident he will leave at the end of the 2024 season, stating: “will only be there next year and I’m happy to declare that”.

“He is on contract for 2025 but my belief is that he will not be there. We will get another 12 months out of him,” Riccio said on SEN.

“In that time, Saints need to find some new leaders because whenever (Hunt) was out, they turned to Jack De Belin which will always be polarising and Blake Lawrie.

“The leadership void is an issue for (incoming coach) Shane Flanagan.”

Question marks have been raised over his ability to be the club’s captain whilst making it clear he doesn’t want to play for the Dragons.

Hunt told the SMH he is still the best man for the job but also revealed he gave the club the opportunity to strip him of captaincy duties.

“I still believe I’m the best guy to lead the club while I’m there. I can do the job, I feel like I’ve got the respect of the players, and I can lead them the right way,” he said.

“If the club get to the point where that’s not what they want, I’ll accept that, and move on. At this stage, I’m happy to keep doing it.”