Dragons called out over mistake in Terrell May chase as Ben Hunt opportunity goes begging

The Roosters and Dragons have been called out for their handling of the Terrell May and Ben Hunt drama after it was questioned whether both could have benefited from a trade deal for the two NRL superstars. Benji Marshall and the Wests Tigers landed a huge signing having sealed May's move from the Roosters.

Roosters fans were stunned to hear May was allowed to negotiate with others clubs, despite having only just re-signed on a two-year deal, and the prop put an end to speculation having joined the the Tigers. Another huge name on the lookout for a club is halfback Hunt.

The Dragons captain and halfback opted to depart ways with the club at the end of the 2024 season, despite a year remaining on his contract. Hunt is yet to sign with a club, despite his claims he wanted to finish his career in Queensland.

While he has a wish to go home, reports suggest Hunt might stay in Sydney on a two-year deal. And the Roosters are open to signing Hunt with Sam Walker set to miss half the 2025 season due to an injury suffered against Canberra in round 26.

And with the Dragons keen to add to their forward depth, and the Roosters keen to sure up their spine for 2025, SEN Radio host Jimmy Smith was quick to point out both teams may have acted too hastily when a trade deal could have been more beneficial for the clubs.

"Why wouldn't they use him as bargaining power. The Dragons have missed out on Terrell May. And Ben Hunt, by all reports, is wanted by the Roosters," Smith said on Tuesday. "It feels like the Dragons have missed a trick."

While a swap deal may not have been so simple, it appears the Dragons may have let an opportunity slip having come into a large sum of money after letting Hunt leave. Dragons coach Shane Flanagan appears to be under pressure to deliver in his second season at the club, which has seen Hunt and Zac Lomax leave. And they are yet to replace their star halfback or spend the money to significantly strengthen in 2025.

Roosters keeping an eye on Ben Hunt

Only last week, Roosters coach Trent Robinson appeared to open the possibility of signing the No.7. "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."

Terrell May lands at the Wests Tigers

The Tigers beat out the Dragons for the services of May, whose relationship with fellow recruit and Samoa star Jarome Luai was understood to be central to the move. May and Luai join Sunia Turuva and Jack Bird as the Tigers' other major signings for 2025.

May played all 27 games for the Roosters last season and finished the year with the most offloads out of all the props in the NRL and says he can't wait to start the latest chapter of his career. Despite being a top target for some clubs, Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said they wouldn't go too hard for May because their main priority was finding a halfback.

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May will be hoping to help the Tigers avoid a fourth straight wooden spoon in 2025 and Marshall is excited about his what new signing brings to the club. “Terrell is a good person first and foremost, and it’s great that he will be joining us," Tigers coach Marshall said. He’s coming off an impressive season, and at just 25, his best years are ahead of him. I look forward to welcoming Terrell and his family to our club.”

Jarome Luai's role in Terrell May signing

It's understood May's deal is for the next three seasons and came off the back of his time in Samoa camp with the Tigers' marquee signing Luai, during their recent two-Test series against England. Luai is said to be very close with the May family having previously played with Terrell's brothers Taylan and Tyrone at the Panthers.

The 25-year-old sat down for a face-to-face chat with Benji Marshall last week after striking up a bond with Luai in Samoa camp. And it's understood Marshall walked away from the face-to-face with May very impressed with what the prop could offer the club, particularly after seeing former Blues Origin prop Stefano Utoikamanu depart for the Storm.