Hunt has asked for a release

[Slippery Morris]

Player or players in return for Hunt (and his value) is the only option. That is a player that is not a fringe first grader but a certain starter for any club.

 

[rasaint]

Just read about Dessie appointment at Titans and alleged exit Holbrook negotiations being conducted for the past 10 days. If true, it seems that Ben Hunt has probably been aware of the Dessie matter; as his sudden request for real ease has been in that timeframe. It certainly has an extra smell about it now. It explains why Ben basically happy to stay 8 months ago on a top coin contract with us, now all sorts of reasons to ‘head home’.

It is very disappointing. Also if true, why not be upfront and tell it like it is; that is I’ve got 2 to 3 years left, no extra big name signing (s) have occurred here at Dragons and Titans have a top roster with Tino, Sami, Brimson, Fifita and so on?

 

[Exsilium]

I’d be loathe to release him this year.
But yes to the next two years with suitable compensation. Otherwise, no.

I'd have thought if he wanted to break a contract, it costs you little and if he goes to a top club, surely there would be swap deals on the cards?

 

[getsmarty]

Coach’s shock axing explained as Titans address Hunt saga

The Gold Coast Titans have addressed the decision to part ways with their coach, denying the club’s links to a Maroons star had any impact on the move.

www.brisbanetimes.com.au

 

[Phantom V]

The

Mate after all this Benny stuff , I for one dont want him anywhere near the place , never mind captain , playing with him as a player ( if it was me and he had a go at me on the field ) well I can tell you I wouldn't be taking his crap ...... So now it’s up to the players to see how they respond under him .......

The damage is done. No going back from this for Benny.

 

[Phantom V]

Blood shot, first stint he passed from dummy half and a few kicks yet after match it was how hunt and grant took control and steered them around the park
.I hate it when players are elevated to such lofty heights wen un warranted

Agree. Grant is a good player but I’d have Koroisau every day of the week

 

[Desperate Dragon]

I would like to think Flanagan is smart enough to make sure the Dragons come away with a suitable result for us if Hunt is released early.
1 August is still over a month away, so plenty of time to nut out a good deal.
My preference is a quality player, or players, I think 2 would suffice for the loss of Hunt as most clubs are well advanced with their 2024 roster plans.
Won't name any individual, but the Gold Coast roster does have several players who would help strengthen the Dragon's roster significantly.

 

[Mojo]

If Hunt knew about Des and if he is also hot for a Titan's gig, then how fkn stupid was it for him and his manager to make their move publicly prior to the announcement of Des becoming the Titan's new coach?

It would have been much more rational to let the appointment of Des to be announced and then to formally request a release for StGI.

 

[56to66]

Coach’s shock axing explained as Titans address Hunt saga

The Gold Coast Titans have addressed the decision to part ways with their coach, denying the club’s links to a Maroons star had any impact on the move.

www.brisbanetimes.com.au

I call BS, why would all of sudden Benny the Banker be home sick, the Titans finally have a premiership winning coach. Let's do a swap on coaches we get Des for Flanno, I wonder if he changes his mind?

 

[Changa]

Hunt's release request has Des' fingerprints all over it - if Hunt pulls the mental health card after being denied ala Saab, you know who's dirty work this is.

 

[steerlerbab]

The ball is in Hunt and his manager's corner to go to the club that has been steering the pot and talking behind the scenes with Hunt and his manager and ask them to negotiate with Dragons (aka Flanno) on their behalf. I applaud our club that is standing firm and said no to Hunt's request. According to NRL rules, clubs can only negotiate with Hunt for 2026 season, so if a club wants to happen earlier, they have to negotiate

But now having Hunt to sit out on 850k for the next two and a half year will not make sense. So let's see what we can get from clubs that are mentioned as Hunt suitors:

Gold Coast: AJ Brimson (but he is contracted until 2026) + $250k transfer (AJ is 600k and Hunt at 850k)
Roosters: Sam Walker (signed until 2025 - but if Hunt goes there Sam will play reserves until 2026) + the difference in contracts in transfer fee
Bulldogs: Tevita Pengai (I originally thought Flanno's son but he is a free agent next year and we might get him anyway). Pengai is contracted until 2025 and Bulldogs cover the $75k difference.

 

[St Tangles]

The ball is in Hunt and his manager's corner to go to the club that has been steering the pot and talking behind the scenes with Hunt and his manager and ask them to negotiate with Dragons (aka Flanno) on their behalf. I applaud our club that is standing firm and said no to Hunt's request. According to NRL rules, clubs can only negotiate with Hunt for 2026 season, so if a club wants to happen earlier, they have to negotiate

But now having Hunt to sit out on 850k for the next two and a half year will not make sense. So let's see what we can get from clubs that are mentioned as Hunt suitors:

Gold Coast: AJ Brimson (but he is contracted until 2026) + $250k transfer (AJ is 600k and Hunt at 850k)
Roosters: Sam Walker (signed until 2025 - but if Hunt goes there Sam will play reserves until 2026) + the difference in contracts in transfer fee
Bulldogs: Tevita Pengai (I originally thought Flanno's son but he is a free agent next year and we might get him anyway). Pengai is contracted until 2025 and Bulldogs cover the $75k difference.

You couldn't pay me to take TPJ

 

[SEAT 1A]

Coach’s shock axing explained as Titans address Hunt saga

The Gold Coast Titans have addressed the decision to part ways with their coach, denying the club’s links to a Maroons star had any impact on the move.

www.brisbanetimes.com.au

Yes, it's a coincidence that the coach gets the rissole the same time Ben wants out. Nothing to see here.

The Titans involved in what is the biggest breach with a contracted player who also texts a jurno.

I can't wait to see what the NRL do and the media's response to that basket case.

 

[dungay dragon]

You couldn't pay me to take TPJ

if the titans have planned this all out to the minute , they will already have a list of players prepared to be offered in a swap deal for Hunt
If they are as ruthless as they were with Holbrook we mite be pleasantly surprised who is on offer
No 1 priority is a quality forward .....wont get Fifita or Tino but thinking MO could be available
The titans have plenty of speedy backs to choose from , and if they are chasing hard for BH we may just land one as well to compliment the deal

 

[justadragon]

Well official. Des takes over GC immediately. So GC must have had a quiet word to Benny to say Des is taking over immediately so come on up this year and we’re a chance for the semis. Enough evidence for the NRL to take action.

Also this is why we heard nothing from Des. he was wrapped up weeks ago.

 

[chiefy1]

I've heard that Phil Gould is balls deep in the ben hunt saga. Phil is one of the biggest bluffers in the nrl and is favorite to get Hunt.

 

[justadragon]

if the titans have planned this all out to the minute , they will already have a list of players prepared to be offered ina swap deal for

I hate these swap deals we end up getting players that don’t want to come to the Dragons. I’d rather a shitload of cash to go out and buy someone decent who wants to be here

 

[SEAT 1A]

I hate these swap deals we end up getting players that don’t want to come to the Dragons. I’d rather a shitload of cash to go out and buy someone decent who wants to be here

Yes, and penalise the team's cap with the same amount of Ben's contract.

 

[justadragon]

I've heard that Phil Gould is balls deep in the ben hunt saga. Phil is one of the biggest bluffers in the nrl and is favorite to get Hunt.

If that happened especially after what Hunt said about Qld then in my books it would be the biggest dog act ever.

 

[dannyt]

If that happened especially after what Hunt said about Qld then in my books it would be the biggest dog act ever.

I can't see it happening. The back-pedalling with the reasons why Hunt wants to leave can only mean QLD.