Bulldogs out of race for Hunt as decision looms
Ben Hunt is expected to make a decision on his playing future as soon as this week, after Canterbury withdrew their interest in the star halfback.
The race to sign Hunt officially became a race between three NRL clubs on Sunday, with Canterbury pulling out and backing their own No.7 Toby Sexton.
That has left the Sydney Roosters, Dolphins and Brisbane as the three interested NRL parties, while a club from the English Super League has also made an offer.
Hunt has now met with all the clubs and received their offers, and is reviewing his options before making a final decision as soon as this week.
The decision is not a clear-cut one for the 34-year-old, who was formally released by St George Illawarra last month.
If it was based on money alone, it is expected the Dolphins would win out given their salary-cap position.
But Hunt and his partner Bridget must decide if they want to leave Sydney and return to Queensland.
The pair’s families both still live well north of the Tweed River, but they are happy living in Sydney and have school-aged children.
There is also the element of Hunt wanting to put himself in the best position to win a maiden premiership.
The Roosters can offer Hunt the chance to help the club remain genuine title contenders, giving them what they so desperately need in the halves.
A move to hooker could also be on the cards long term, with uncertainty over the off-contract Brandon Smith’s future at the Roosters.
Hunt has spoken about the romanticism of returning to his junior club, and the lure of trying to win a title with Brisbane after the 2015 grand-final loss.
The Broncos had a horror season this year, but their run to the 2023 grand final still looms as a reminder of what is possible with that squad.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, are something of the unknown.
While Hunt does not have clear links to the club, they could still return him and his family home to Queensland.
There is also the chance to act as a mentor to young Dophins half Isaiya Katoa, while they narrowly missed out on last season’s finals.
Dolphins mentor Kristian Woolf is a highly-regarded coach and has worked under previous Hunt confidants in Anthony Griffin and Wayne Bennett.
Elsewhere, it is expected the Dragons will confirm Lachlan Ilias as Hunt’s replacement in Wollongong in coming days.
Ilias has not played first grade since he was dropped by South Sydney two games into last season, and then subsequently suffered a broken leg in a NSW Cup game a few rounds later.
The 24-year-old is still considered a young talent and will partner Kyle Flanagan in the Dragons’ halves next year, barring any late hiccups.
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