Ben Hunt 'going to the Roosters' as Nick Politis tipped to win race for veteran NRL star

With Ben Hunt set to meet with Sydney Roosters officials this week, former NRL player Joel Caine has declared he'll definitely end up at the Bondi club. It came to light on Tuesday that Hunt's preference is to remain in Sydney because his young family are settled, all-but ruling out the possibility of him returning to Queensland with the Broncos or Dolphins.

The Roosters and Bulldogs are believed to be in a two-horse race to snare the veteran halfback, but the popular money is on the Chooks. The Roosters and billionaire chairman Nick Politis have plenty of cash to splash on Hunt after losing Joseph Suaalii, Joey Manu, Luke Keary and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

They've also told Terrell May he's free to find a new club, and hooker Brandon Smith is believed to be on the outer as well. With Smith and Sam Walker both set to miss a large chunk of the 2025 season after ACL surgery, the Roosters could easily slot Hunt in at halfback or hooker.

And Caine believes the fact he's meeting with the Roosters means they'll get their man. "He will be a Rooster for sure," Caine said on SEN radio on Tuesday. "They just have to find their man and this will be their man...If he's meeting the Roosters, he's going to the Roosters."

Former Roosters player Bryan Fletcher predicted that Hunt will play hooker if he signs with the Bondi club, and recruit Chad Townsend will fill the halfback role until Walker returns. However Fletcher also floated that Hunt could play five-eighth.

Trent Robinson hints at Roosters' interest in Ben Hunt

Discussing the situation on Tuesday afternoon, Roosters coach Trent Robinson gave a clear indication of the Chooks' interest in Hunt. Asked directly whether Hunt was someone the Roosters were looking at, Robinson said there were "a couple of players" in the club's sights.

"(The injuries) didn't only affect the back end of this year, but it also affects the start of next year as well," Robinson said. "We're really comfortable with some of the young guys coming through, but we are also looking at covering those positions if it's right. We don't feel like we're in a rush, but if it's right then we'll look at options."

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A move to the Roosters would also fit Hunt's criteria of wanting to go to a club where he can win his first premiership. "He (Hunt) is an exceptional player and has done it for a long time," Robinson said. "People want a direct answer, but the thing is we've been clear about our squad for a while now.

"Ever since Luke (Keary) made his decision (to leave the NRL for the Super League), we were really clear and happy with where we were heading over the next couple of years. But if the opportunity arises to accommodate that No.7 and No.9 positions in different ways, then we will. But it has to be right for the next couple of years as well."

The Broncos and Dolphins have previously expressed their interest in Hunt, with the latter said to have a $1.3 million 'war chest' to spend on recruitment. Hunt previously played for the Broncos before moving to the Dragons, and the Brisbane club are in need of a half amid the uncertainty surrounding Ezra Mam.

with AAP