Although the Dolphins have not yet reached out to Ben Hunt, their coach Kristian Woolf confirmed they would be open to acquiring a player of his caliber.
Hunt, the captain of St. George Illawarra, became a major free agent contender after the Dragons allowed him to explore 2026 offers, even though free agency doesn’t officially begin until November 1. While Hunt has expressed plans to stay with the Dragons through 2025, future negotiations could change his stance. The 34-year-old has been seeking a move back to Queensland, a request the Dragons denied in 2023.
Rumors suggest Gold Coast is unlikely to pursue Hunt, while Brisbane has been linked to Sydney Roosters’ halfback Sam Walker. Woolf, currently focused on leading Tonga in the Pacific Championships, clarified that approaching Hunt is not a priority, though he admires Hunt’s talent.
Woolf emphasized that the Dolphins are always interested in skilled players like Hunt but, as of now, no discussions have taken place. He also praised Isaiya Katoa, a rising star in the NRL, calling him a promising halfback with a bright future.
If Hunt departs, the Dragons could explore other playmaking options for 2026, including Sam Walker, Daly Cherry-Evans, Braydon Trindall, and Brad Schneider, all of whom are nearing the end of their contracts.