Ben Hunt's future at Dragons called into question after dressing room exchange with Shane Flanagan

St George Illawarra's hopes of playing finals footy in 2024 are all but over but to make matters worse the future of captain and leader Ben Hunt is now under a cloud. Following the Red V's shock 44-40 loss to Parramatta with an NRL finals berth on the line, in front of the dressing room cameras, Shane Flanagan unleashed on Hunt, leading to speculation that the No.7 won't be at the club next year.

Flanagan was seen giving his dejected captain a solid 20-second spray post-match, with league legend Mal Meninga stating the Dragons have some "real issues" to sort out. "Shane is obviously, he’s going off here, to his captain as well," Meninga said on Fox Sports.

"He’s going off because of their first-half performance, but even their second-half performance it (left) something to be desired. They scored five tries in the last 10 minutes when the Eels put the cue in the rack really. They have some real issues.... they are still a chance regardless of what happens this weekend."

Only 12 months ago Hunt was desperate to get out of the club, requesting a release from his contract - so he could to join a new club in 2024. But after a sit down with Flanagan ahead of this season, he changed his mind, stating he believes he is the man to turn around the club's fortunes.

And with an improved season in 2024, the Dragons had already begun discussions with Hunt over a new one-year extension to his deal that expires in 2025. But after the public bake from Flanagan that deal may no longer be on the table. Flanagan had every right to be filthy at Hunt and his side for their performance on Sunday, with the final score flattering the Red V.

The Dragons were only beaten by four points but were down 44-12 with 10 minutes to go and were horrendous for 70 minutes. The Eels looked like they wanted it more from the outset and Hunt - who is on more than $1million a season - failed to take control of the game.

Flanagan has been open about needing to strengthen his roster, and now could look to add to his halves ranks or replace Hunt. Away from Hunt and Kyle Flanagan, the coach is understood to rate rookie Lyhkan King-Togia but beyond that, they haven't got NRL-ready talent. They therefore may look to try to lure someone like Dragons local junior Tyran Wishart back to the Red V. The Melbourne utility will become a free agent from November 1 and is behind Cameron Munster in the pecking order so may be tempted by regular NRL footy, however, would come with a hefty wage bill.

Paul Crawley believes Ben Hunt may be moved on

Reporter Paul Crawley believes the public nature of Flanagan's dressing down of Hunt suggests the Dragons coach is ready to part ways with Hunt. "The Dragons coach was well within his rights to give Hunt a spray after such a disappointing performance from the skipper and chief playmaker...but what’s got me beat is why would Flanagan choose to do it right in front of the dressing room cameras?" Crawley wrote in a column for Fox Sports Australia.

"Unless, of course, it was Flanagan’s specific plan to embarrass his captain out of the club. I can’t remember an NRL coach giving it to his captain and marquee man the way Flanagan gave it both barrels to Hunt in such full public view? Hunt turns 35 next year and it might be time for both parties to give themselves a fresh outlook."