St George Illawarra have granted captain Ben Hunt permission to begin negotiating with rival clubs immediately.
It is unclear if Hunt, who is in Australian camp, has been informed of the club’s intention for him to test the open market two weeks earlier than he would’ve been allowed. His management has been made aware of the development. Those talks have since been put on hold with a few of revisiting them after a few games next season. Hunt has made it known publicly of his concerns about having no future at the Dragons. Privately he has been concerned about what he believes is a leaking campaign to undermine his position at the club over an unfavourably end-of-season review.
Hunt has previously wanted a release from the Dragons, however the club - led by Flanagan - insisted he stayed put and honoured his deal for at least 12 months before they revisited his situation.