Dragons skipper Ben Hunt has sensationally backflipped on his release request and is now reportedly in talks for a contract extension beyond his 36th birthday.
Hunt repeatedly asked for the an immediate release in the second half of last season after the club sacked his coach and long-time mentor Anthony Griffin.
But new coach Shane Flanagan refused to release the club’s best player and after the Dragons’ impressive start to 2024, he’s convinced the halfback to stay.
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Hunt is contracted until the end of 2025 and is now looking to extend into 2026, according to The SMH, when he’ll turn 36 in the opening rounds of the season.
Flanagan spoke to media on Thursday about the club’s decision to release winger Zac Lomax from his contract at the end of this season.
Flanagan was asked why Lomax was allowed to leave and not Hunt and the coach said they were two completely different situations.
“Ben wants to be here,” Flanagan said.
“Ben will see out his contract and maybe go further so don’t confuse the issue of Ben and Zac. They are two different issues.”
Hunt has been playing in the halves this season alongside Flanagan’s son Kyle and the Dragons will reportedly begin formal talks to lock down their captain in the coming weeks.
ROOSTERS LOCK DOWN BIG MAN
Roosters enforcer Terrell May has reportedly agreed terms on a contract extension that will see his tenure extend until the end of 2026.
The 24-year-old is set to sign a two-year deal according to The Daily Telegraph, finalising drawn out negotiations that also included his brother Taylan.
Taylan eventually re-signed with the Panthers, while Terrell has been rewarded for an impressive start to his 2024 campaign.
May has been a consistent figure in Trent Robinson’s forward pack this season and is set to pick up the slack left by Jared Waerea-Hargreaves next season.
The Kiwi enforcer is set to depart for the Super League, leaving May to combine with Lindsay Collins and Spencer Leniu in the middle of the park.
All three of his teammates have spent time sidelined so far this year due to injuries and suspension, while May has featured in every game.
Interestingly, both May brothers will now come off contract at the end of the 2026 season which could see them fulfil their dream of playing together in the NRL.
SUPER LEAGUE HALF STAYING PUT
NRL clubs are reportedly targeting the services of English halfback Lewis Dodd, but he’s not interested in a move to Australia.
That is according to WWOS, who are reportedly the Super League’s best playmaking talent is set to snub the advances of NRL clubs.
Instead, he is set to sign a long-term deal to remain with St Helens, with his current contract expiring at the end of the 2024 season.
Dodd recently signed a contract with management company SFX Sports Down Under, sparking speculation he was eyeing a move to the NRL.
Dodd’s talents haven’t gone unnoticed across the rugby league world, playing in the halves in St Helens’ 2021 Super League grand final win over the Catalans Dragons.
He also kicked a game-winning field goal against the Panthers in the 2023 World Club Challenge to sink the reigning premiers on their home soil.
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Multiple NRL clubs are desperate to sign a quality playmaker, with the Raiders, Bulldogs, Titans and Dragons all actively recruiting players.
Dodd could have become the next in a long line of English spine stars to make a move across to Australia.
Josh Hodgson, Adrian Morley, Gareth Widdop and George Williams have all had success in the past across the NRL.
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