Ben Hunt would still love to return home to Queensland as the Dragons skipper reflected on the toughest two months of his career.
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Hunt’s preference is still to finish his career in Queensland, something he made clear to Dragons officials at the end of the State of Origin series, and a point he has since reiterated on several occasions with incoming coach Shane Flanagan.
Working against Hunt is the fact there are no big-money replacements on the market that the Dragons could sign as a replacement.
The 33-year-old Hunt is hopeful of featuring in the end-of-year Tests for Australia – and open to representing the Prime Minister’s XIII side, which will be named on Tuesday – but admitted the end of the regular season could not have come quick enough.
Flanno’ is digging his heels in; he’s coming in as coach, he wants to win and he wants me there, which I understand,” Hunt said.
“I’ve never had any issues with Flanno, and we’ve had some open conversations. I think he’ll bring in a good culture; he’s straight up and down, he’s got history with being good at recruitment, and what we need is some senior players with experience who can help the young squad.
“At this stage, I’ll be heading back to the Dragons for the pre-season.”
Hunt admitted after Queensland’s win in game two of the Origin series that he wanted to return home. He had hoped the Dragons would let him leave immediately, despite having two-and-a-half years to run on his St George Illawarra deal.
Should another exit request be blocked, Hunt will push to leave this time next year, which will give the Dragons 12 months to find a replacement, with plenty of playmakers to flood the market at the end of 2024.
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