Ben Hunt and Shane Flanagan's relationship 'untenable' as Dragons captain seeks immediate exit

Ben Hunt's relationship with Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has reportedly reached a point where it is no longer tenable for him to stay, with the star playmaker not wanting to return to pre-season training. Hunt endured an up-and-down season in the NRL in 2024 and came under fire for his side's late-season collapse that saw them drop out of the top eight.

The relationship between Hunt and coach was further strained after it was reported that in the Dragons' season review Hunt, whose contract is worth over $1 million a season, was told "his performances – including his defence, kicking game and leadership – when his team’s finals hopes hung in the balance were not befitting of his standing in the side". However, in a media interview on Friday, Flanagan said he wasn't singled out and even suggested that the halfback had leaked that story to the media.

"Let me be really clear on the review bit and what was said in the review," Flanagan said in an interview with the Herald on Friday. "There were three people in the review: Me, Dean Young and Ben. I can guarantee you, Dean Young didn’t speak to any media and I haven’t spoken to any media about the review. And what’s being said is incorrect. There was no discussion about Ben’s salary and all that sort of stuff. That’s just absolutely rubbish."

Flanagan also told SMH that it was "a little bit frustrating" to find out Hunt had suggested recruitment target Clint Gutherson was an ideal halves partner for him at the Red V, despite Kyle Flanagan, Shane's son, being the current Dragons five-eighth and doing an admirable job in that role in 2024.

Ben Hunt has "no desire" to stay at the Dragons

Hunt has been given permission to talk to other teams after his negotiations with the Dragons broke down, leaving the 34-year-old in limbo for a contract after next season. The captain will now likely hit the open market, with Hunt making no secret of his desire to finish his career in Queensland.

According to SMH, the halfback has requested an immediate release on multiple occasions but they have been flatly rejected by the club. However, Hunt reportedly does not intend on returning to pre-season training as he doesn't plan on staying at the club.

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SMH reports Hunt has told those close to him he won't be coming home after the Pacific Championships and has no interest in resolving things with Flanagan. The halfback will instead remain on New Zealand’s south island to holiday with family.

"Hunt is due back for pre-season training in early January, but sources with knowledge of the situation but not authorised to speak publicly confirmed to this masthead that Hunt has become so disillusioned with the situation that he has no desire to stay at the Dragons or be coached by Flanagan," SMH reports. "The relationship between coach and captain has become untenable, the same sources confirmed."