Dragons in savage Ben Hunt twist as halfback's 'awkward' Kyle Flanagan act comes back to light

Ben Hunt has been given permission to talk to other teams a day after Corey Parker warned clubs after chasing the Queensland star amid the halfback's 'awkward' comments regarding Kyle Flanagan. In recent weeks, the Dragons have been heavily linked with Eels fullback Clint Gutherson after the club informed their captain they wouldn't be offering him a contract extension and he could speak to rivals.

This comes as Hunt admitted negotiations with the Dragons have broken down, which leaves the 34-year-old in limbo for a contract after 2025. And only days after his 'awkward' comments surrounding teammate Flanagan and Clint Gutherson, the Dragons have confirmed Hunt can negotiate with rival clubs, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

Hunt's relationship with coach Shane Flanagan and the club has appeared to falter in recent weeks with the duo seen in an interesting interaction after a defeat in round 26 against the Eels. Flanagan claimed there was nothing to the interaction, but speculation ran wild over Hunt's future at the club.

And it appears the captain will now hit the open market. Hunt has made no secret of his desire to finish his career in Queensland and addressed his NRL future while speaking with reporters during Kangaroos camp for the Pacific Championships. Hunt added that he was keen to speak with the Dragons about extending his contract beyond 2025, but said they do not appear "overly keen" to keep him.

And on the weekend, Hunt even addressed Gutherson's links to the Dragons. In a controversial comment, Hunt claimed Gutherson could play five-eighth for the Dragons. However, if Hunt remained at the club next year, this would mean Flanagan would drop out.

Ben Hunt's comment on Clint Gutherson questioned

Flanagan is coach Shane Flanagan's son and had a strong year in the No.6 jersey. And Hunt's call to sign Gutherson as a five-eighth - considering he would likely be an automatic starter considering what he would demand - left Penrith great Greg Alexander stunned.

"I read some quotes from Ben Hunt on the weekend...I thought, maybe not. Maybe that is not a good thing," Alexander said on SEN Radio. Alexander was referring to Hunt's claim Gutherson could come in and play where Flanagan has been at No.6.

NRL commentator Andrew Voss was also left gobsmacked at the comments from Hunt. "That is awkward," Voss said. "It is," Alexander agreed. "That is a stunning quote, Kyle Flanagan is the No.6 and had a really good season. We sort of made the assumption Gutherson into No.1, for Tyrell Sloan. Watch this space," Voss added.

Hunt's comments about Gutherson being signed as a five-eighth, not for his preferred position at fullback, could ruffle feathers at the Dragons. Regardless, Broncos great Parker believes Hunt's age will work against him on the open market.

Corey Parker warns clubs over big Ben Hunt deal

Hunt has played 334 NRL games and currently represents both Queensland and the Kangaroos. The halfback, or representative utility, has been one of the game's premier stars and topped the try assist tally for the NRL season.

While it appears Hunt has plenty left, considering Mal Meninga selected him on the Kangaroos squad, Parker is weary of other clubs offering him a big deal. Hunt will be 36 years old if he signs for another team and plays beyond 2025.

And while a number of players have excelled into their mid-late 30s, including currently Daly Cherry-Evans and the recently retired Cameron Smith, Parker does not believe rival clubs will be too interested in offering the Dragons halfback big money.

“Shane Flanagan and the Dragons are currently holding out and rightly so," Parker said on SEN Radio on Tuesday. “He’s on contract for next year, he’s looking for an extension for 2026 where he will be 36 years of age on big money.

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“I think Flanagan may be doing the right thing by not going for Ben Hunt but does that mean he goes to the open market and someone else buys him at 36? There’s a risk attached to that and I am one of Hunt’s biggest fans but there is certainly risk attached to a 36-year-old halfback.

“You have to understand why you are bringing in a player and what you want to achieve out of them. It would only be for one year because I can’t see Ben Hunt playing beyond 36. Father time catches up with you very quickly and it could come in the space of one small injury.” Hunt is currently part of the Kangaroos squad taking Tonga and New Zealand in the Pacific Championship starting this weekend.