'Decided to have the night off': Paul Kent savages Ben Hunt

NRL journalist Paul Kent has slammed Queensland star and Dragons half Ben Hunt for not taking part in his team’s loss to Penrith on the weekend.

The Dragons’ season is hanging in the balance after their latest loss and coach Paul McGregor’s decision to rest Hunt after a busy Origin period has come under fire.

Kent questioned the call on Fox Sports NRL 360, asking how the other Dragons’ players would have taken the news considering the importance of the game.

“If you’re St George Illawarra and you’re in the dressing room on the weekend,” Kent said.

“And Jack de Belin’s sitting over there in the corner, who’s not allowed to play. You’ve got Gareth Widdop sitting over there, who’s injured and can’t play.

“You’ve got James Graham coming back for his first game in eight weeks, finally getting back, getting back as quick as he can to get on the field.

“And over there’s your little halfback on a million bucks a year, who decided to have the night off because he’s feeling tired.

“How does that make you feel in the dressing room, when you’re getting ready for a game?”

The Dragons were thumped 40-18 in their match against the Panthers on Friday. The result leaves them 14th on the ladder with just six wins.