BREAKING NEWS- Hunt on the brink of completing surprise move to join Sydney club
Former St George Illawarra Dragons captain Ben Hunt appears to be ruling out any possibility of returning to the Brisbane Broncos, despite the club’s interest in bringing him back. Instead, the Sydney Roosters have reportedly entered the race to secure Hunt’s services, signaling a potential shift in the star player’s future. Although the Broncos were among several clubs hoping to land Hunt, it now seems likely that he will stay in Sydney, where his family has become settled.
In addition to the Broncos, the Dolphins had also been considered a strong contender to sign Hunt, being one of the few Queensland-based clubs with the financial resources to accommodate him for the 2025 season. However, reports from News Corp now suggest that Hunt’s preference to stay in Sydney could steer him towards clubs like the Roosters or the Canterbury Bulldogs, both of whom have shown interest in him in the past.
The Roosters’ involvement in the pursuit of Hunt might have seemed improbable just a few months ago. However, injuries to two key players, Sam Walker and Brandon Smith, have opened the door for Hunt’s potential arrival. Both Walker and Smith sustained ACL injuries during Round 26 of the 2024 season and are not expected to return in the early part of 2025. With the Roosters now lacking depth at crucial positions, the club’s interest in the seasoned Queensland Maroons player has intensified.
Roosters’ coach Trent Robinson acknowledged Hunt’s talent and experience, stating, “He’s an exceptional player and has done it for a long time.” When asked about the club’s interest in Hunt, Robinson hinted at the possibility but emphasized the importance of finding the right fit for the team over the coming years. “People want a direct answer, but the thing is we’ve been clear about our squad for a while now. Ever since Luke made his decision, we were really clear with where we were heading over the next couple of years, and we were happy about that,” Robinson said. He added that, although the Roosters are considering options to fill the gaps in their squad, they will only pursue new signings if it aligns with their long-term strategy.
The Roosters currently have young players like Sandon Smith and Tyler Moriarty waiting in the wings. Smith is likely to play in the number six jersey, previously worn by Luke Keary, while Moriarty could slot into the number nine position, depending on the team’s needs. However, with Walker sidelined, there is a possibility that the Roosters might bring in Hunt on a short-term deal to reinforce their halves. This would allow them to use Hunt’s experience to stabilize the lineup while their younger players gain experience.
Adding to their advantage, the Roosters may have the financial resources to bring in a player of Hunt’s caliber. With several high-profile players departing and a number of roster spots available, the club could be well-positioned to make a competitive offer. However, if the contract negotiations become purely a matter of financial bidding, the Dolphins are reportedly more capable of winning that battle, especially since the NRL has not yet established a minimum salary figure for Hunt’s potential contract.
Ultimately, while the Roosters are exploring various options to fill their roster gaps, Hunt’s decision may rest on more than just financial factors. His familiarity with Sydney, the chance to join a competitive side, and his preference to stay close to his family could all play significant roles as he weighs his options. With multiple clubs in the race, Hunt’s next move will be closely watched as fans await to see where the veteran playmaker will land for the 2025 season.
