LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The latest buzz in the Rugby League world revolves around veteran halfback Ben Hunt and the Dragons, who are currently embroiled in a bit of a standoff over a new deal.
It seems things have taken a turn for the messy as new details emerge from a brutal end of season review.
Ben Hunt, a seasoned No.7, was anticipated to ink a one-year extension earlier in the season to keep him at the club until 2026.
However, that plan fell through, leaving his future in Wollongong hanging in the balance.
According to reports from news.com.au, coach Shane Flanagan and the Dragons are not quite ready to commit to extending Hunt's contract beyond the end of next season.
The 34-year-old is eager to secure his spot with the team beyond 2025, but Flanagan is urging caution, suggesting they wait and see how Hunt performs in the early weeks of next season before making any decisions.
The drama intensified after Flanagan reportedly delivered some tough feedback to Hunt during a no-holds-barred end-of-season review, critiquing his performance and questioning his form.
This unexpected turn of events has added another layer of complexity to the situation, making negotiations even more challenging.
As tensions rise and the standoff continues, it's clear that the road ahead for Ben Hunt and the Dragons is shaping up to be a bumpy one.
Only time will tell how this saga plays out in the increasingly competitive world of Rugby League.