LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a move that shook the Rugby League world, Dragons coach Shane Flanagan delivered a parting shot at Ben Hunt as the club terminated the captain's hefty $1m contract.
Flanagan, known for his tough coaching style and no-nonsense approach, made it clear that "no one is bigger than the club" during this tumultuous time.
After weeks of swirling speculation about the future of the seasoned halfback, Hunt was granted an immediate exit from the NRL club by mutual agreement.
The 34-year-old still had a year left on his contract, but a series of controversial comments in the media had made his position at the club increasingly untenable.
It was no surprise when news broke that Hunt would not be joining his teammates for pre-season training next week.
Having spent a solid seven seasons with the Dragons, Hunt had always been vocal about his desire to head back to his roots in Queensland, where both he and his wife hail from.
Dragons CEO Ryan Webb addressed the departure, stating, "This decision was a tough one to make, but ultimately, we must do what is best for the club.
After discussions with Ben and his management, it became apparent that this was the right move for both sides.
This allows us to explore new opportunities in the player market and shift the focus to the future.
Ben has been a valuable member of the team, and we thank him for his efforts.
We wish him and his family all the best as they embark on their next chapter."
With Hunt's departure, the Dragons are now poised to regroup and forge ahead on the field.
As they say in the world of Rugby League, it's all about moving forward and staying focused on the task at hand.
Flanagan's parting shot may have rocked the boat, but in the end, it's just another twist in the ever-unpredictable world of professional sports.