NRL great Paul Gallen has scoffed at suggestions Dragons captain Ben Hunt could make a shock switch to the Canberra Raiders, as the club prepares for life after Jack Wighton.
Wighton – who joins South Sydney next season – will leave a gaping hole in the halves for the green machine, with Hunt thrown up as a possible replacement by Nine reporter Danny Weidler.
“There’s obviously a lot of money they’re going to have in their cap and they’re going to be able to spend it on a quality half,” he said on Nine’s 100% Footy.
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“Probably the hard thing is to find that half.
“I’ve been speaking to some people at Canberra. They’ve been linked previously to Luke Brooks, they’re saying that ship has probably sailed.
“I think privately a player they’d really love to have is Ben Hunt. Now a lot’s got to happen to make that happen so it’s very much an outside chance, but he’s the style of player and person they would like at their club.”
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Despite the rumoured interest, Gallen believes there’s little possibility Hunt would pull on a green jersey.
“A lot’s got to happen and the Dragons (would) have to let him go. He’s probably their best player,” he said.
“I know he’s on a lot of money there, but no, I’m saying no.”
Despite being contracted until 2025, the playing future of Hunt continues to be a point of discussion as the club remains without a coach for next season.
Hunt, on several occasions, has expressed his support for Dragons coach Anthony Griffin, stating in mid-April: “I’m not really keen on starting fresh”.
“I believe if you take away your coach and bring a new coach in, it’s going to start that cycle again, and to be honest I don’t have the time to start it all again,” he told reporters.
“I’m getting to the back end and I’m not really keen on starting fresh.”
Hunt not keen for another Dragons coach
Weidler believes that loyalty to Griffin has prompted other clubs to express interest in Hunt.
“Obviously Ben’s still got a contract with the Dragons but he has been making noises about being unhappy if the expected axing of Anthony Griffin takes place, and he’s very close to Griffin and I feel like he won’t be happy if that decision happens,” he said.
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“I know clubs have been making some subtle enquiries about Ben Hunt’s availability.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if Canberra go down that path.
“I don’t know if they’ve done that yet, but he’s a player who has obvious appeal for the Raiders.”
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