LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Australian rugby league fans were left scratching their heads as Ben Hunt's turbulent relationship with Dragons coach Shane Flanagan took another nosedive.
Reports from news.com.au suggest that the tension between the seasoned halfback and his NRL mentor has reached an "untenable" state.
The uncertainty surrounding Hunt's future at St George Illawarra has been brewing for quite some time, with the 34-year-old playmaker locked in until 2025.
Hunt had been keen on extending his stay with the Dragons into 2026, but contract negotiations were put on the backburner by the Red V.
In a candid interview with the SMH, Flanagan took some responsibility for the stalled talks, admitting, "As the season went on, there were other priorities and Ben got put on the back burner." The situation was further aggravated when Hunt hinted that Parramatta's Clint Gutherson could be a suitable replacement for his current side, despite Flanagan's son Kyle holding down the fort in that role.
As speculations swirl and tensions mount, it remains to be seen whether Hunt's tenure with the Dragons will be cut short sooner rather than later.
Rugby league aficionados will be keeping a keen eye on this unfolding saga, as the drama continues to unfold in the world of Australian sport.