Dragons consider Doueihi move after giving Hunt permission to talk to rivals
By Michael Chammas and Danny Weidler
Updated October 16, 2024 — 4.18pmfirst published at 11.24am
St George Illawarra are considering making a play for Wests Tigers utility Adam Doueihi after informing Ben Hunt he had permission to begin negotiating with rival clubs immediately.
The Dragons have had internal discussions about making a play for Doueihi, who is a free agent after November 1.
The Tigers have not been able to move a number of players in their roster and the Dragons are willing to entertain the idea of Doueihi joining the club immediately if the Tigers are willing to release him.
Doueihi is on a deal worth around $350,000 at the Tigers next year.
Hunt’s future at the Dragons is up in the air as it grows increasingly likely that he has played his final game for the red V.
Sources with knowledge of the situation talking under the condition of anonymity due to confidentiality told this masthead that the Dragons held a board meeting on Tuesday and decided to allow Hunt the opportunity to begin speaking with rival clubs for 2026 before the November 1 free agency date.
Ben Hunt
It is unclear if Hunt, who is in Australian camp, has been informed of the club’s intention for him to test the open market two weeks earlier than he would’ve been allowed. His management has been made aware of the development.
The Dragons recently told Hunt that they are not in a position to offer him a contract beyond his current deal which expires at the end of 2025 despite holding talks with him earlier in the year about the prospect of potentially playing on.
Those talks have since been put on hold with a view of revisiting them after a few games next season. Hunt has made it known publicly of his concerns about having no future at the Dragons. Privately he has been concerned about what he believes is a leaking campaign to undermine his position at the club over an unfavourable end-of-season review.
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Tension between Hunt and the Dragons escalated after coach Shane Flanagan told him his performances weren’t up to standard in the exit review.
Hunt has previously wanted a release from the Dragons, however the club - led by Flanagan - insisted he stayed put and honoured his deal for at least 12 months before they revisited his situation.
The Dragons haven’t mentioned the prospect of releasing Hunt in 2025, however sources with knowledge of the situation told this masthead that the club would entertain the notion of Hunt playing at another club next season if they could get something in return.
Hunt recently indicated he would be open to a return to Queensland. He has purchased property in the Byron Hinterland. However, Hunt has attracted interest from some Sydney clubs.
The Dragons are considering making a play for Adam Doueihi after informing Ben Hunt he could test the market. It comes as Lachlan Ilias ended any chance of a Jackson Hastings swap deal.
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