In an NRL headline making move, Veteran Club Captain and playmaker Ben Hunt has officially parted ways with St George Illawarra Dragons, marking a major turning for the club as they get ready for 2025 season. The announcement came from the club on the decision to terminate Hunts contract a year early, allowing him the freedom to explore offers from other NRL clubs. Today, players without an extended contract with their current club can seek out too16 other rival clubs to secure their future in NRL. For the Dragans fans, Veteran and Captain Ben Hunt,34, was given approval by the club to terminate his contract which was to end at the end of 2025 season. Hunt’s departure follows a year of public controversial tension, this surrounds the veteran halfback’s desire for an advance release from his current contract. Hunt had expressed frustration over the stalled talks, that cooled off after the State of Origin decider. The Dragons’ head coach, Shane Flanagan, praised Hunt’s contributions over the years, acknowledging that replacing a player of his calibre will be challenging. "Ben's skill set has been invaluable, and while filling his role won’t be easy, we are confident in our club's ability to find the right solutions for our future," Flanagan shared on 7 News. The club had been exploring other player options, including Parramatta Eels Captain and Fullback’ Clint Gutherson (King Gatho), leading to a complex dynamic within the team that influenced Hunt’s standing. Now with Hunt’s contract officially terminated, the Dragons will begin their search for a new lead playmaker and captain for 2025. Dragons CEO Ryan Webb reportedly said on 7 News that, “After thorough discussions with Ben and his management, this decision is what is best for both sides.” “We extend our gratitude to Ben for his years with us and wish him well in his next chapter.” A native Queenslander, Hunt is expected to look for opportunities closer to home among the 4 Queensland NRL Clubs like Broncos, Dolphins, Cowboys, and Titans. Though his current salary that stands at 1 million per season could pose challenges for clubs seeking to accommodate him under the salary cap. Source: 7 News