BREAKING: Dolphins Secure Ben Hunt in Stunning $1.3M Coup!”
The Dolphins might be ready to outmaneuver their NRL rivals, the Brisbane Broncos, in the high-stakes race for Ben Hunt’s signature. Reports suggest that the Redcliffe-based team has a substantial $1.3 million budget available, setting them up to make a strong offer. Hunt, a top-tier free agent, has become the center of attention after mutually agreeing to part ways with the Dragons despite having one year left on his $950,000 contract.
Hunt has expressed his desire to return to Brisbane, and while the Broncos would welcome him back, they face tough financial constraints. The club has already invested heavily in players like Reece Walsh, Payne Haas, Ezra Mam, and Patrick Carrigan, leaving little room in their salary cap to accommodate Hunt’s high price tag. NRL regulations are expected to require Hunt’s next team to match his former Dragons salary, meaning a discounted contract is unlikely. Currently, the Broncos have only around $500,000 left under their cap, creating a significant gap if they wish to bring Hunt on board.
A potential twist could work in Brisbane’s favor, however. With Mam’s future uncertain following his involvement in a car accident, he may miss a portion of next season, possibly enabling the Broncos to seek a salary cap exemption for a temporary replacement. Given that Mam’s contract is worth around $800,000 per year, Hunt could step into this role if the NRL grants an exception. Yet, even with this scenario, a bidding war between the Broncos and the Dolphins would likely tip in the Dolphins’ favor, given their substantial financial resources.
While other clubs, including the Roosters and Bulldogs, are rumored to be interested in Hunt, he has made it clear that his heart is set on a return to Queensland. If financial factors ultimately drive his decision, the Dolphins hold a strategic advantage, having meticulously managed their salary cap since their entry into the NRL. With more budget flexibility than the Broncos, the Dolphins may have the upper hand.
According to The Courier Mail, the Dolphins are ready to make a move, with $1.3 million in cap space, and incoming head coach Kristian Woolf has openly expressed his eagerness to talk with Hunt. Woolf, currently leading Tonga in the Pacific Championship final against Hunt’s Kangaroos, said he hasn’t yet spoken with the former Dragons captain but emphasized that Hunt is exactly the kind of player who could enhance the Dolphins’ roster. “If Ben is keen to have a chat, then I am definitely keen to have a chat to him as well,” Woolf told The Courier Mail. “I’m very satisfied with our squad, and I know we can continue building on what we’ve established these past two years. However, a player of Ben’s caliber would be a tremendous addition, and we’re open to exploring that possibility.”
Hunt, who led the league with 34 try assists in 2024, would be an excellent fit for the Dolphins’ squad and a valuable mentor for young playmaker Isaiya Katoa, who is also on Woolf’s Tonga team. The Dolphins’ halves lineup already includes Kodi Nikorima and Sean O’Sullivan, but Hunt would bring an extra level of expertise, offering them an additional option at halfback or even hooker.
Despite his interest in the Dolphins, Hunt has consistently expressed a strong desire to return to Brisbane to pursue a premiership title with the Broncos. His potential teammates, including stars Haas and Carrigan, as well as new coach Michael Maguire, are optimistic about his return, viewing him as an asset to the team. “Ben is a world-class player with extensive experience,” Maguire stated during his early days at pre-season training with the Broncos. “We all know his capabilities and what he could contribute. After this week with the Australian team, he’ll likely sit down and make a decision about his future. It’s a process, and we’re respecting that. While I won’t delve too deeply into contract details, bringing in a player of Ben’s caliber would be a significant boost for the club.”
As Hunt evaluates his options, the Dolphins appear well-positioned to make a compelling case, while the Broncos grapple with their salary cap challenges. Ultimately, the decision could hinge on whether Hunt prioritizes a return to his former club or seizes the opportunity to lead a rising team in the Dolphins.
