Dragons young gun tells club he wants out as an immediate consequence of Ben Hunt contract
Dragons playmaker Jayden Sullivan has reportedly requested an immediate release from St George Illawarra, following the re-signing of Ben Hunt.
The club's decision to extend Hunt on a two-year deal means Sullivan's path to a starting spot has been blocked, leading him to seek a release despite being contracted until the end of 2025, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
It's understood Sullivan is expected to land at Canterbury, where he is earmarked to play alongside Matt Burton, who has given a strong indication he wants to stay at the club long term.
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The Dragons have several halves on their books with Sullivan, Hunt and Junior Amone on the depth chart.
According to the Herald, Dragons recruiter Shane Flanagan will decide Sullivan's fate, which could throw his son Kyle's future off course at the Bulldogs if he gives the green light.
Jayden Sullivan and his Dragons team mates look on during the round 20 NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Melbourne Storm at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) Getty
Speaking to the publication last month, St George Illawarra chairman Craig Young said Sullivan could use Hunt's extension to his own advantage.
"It's a good opportunity for Sullivan, if Ben re-signs, to learn from him," Young said at the time.
"Sometimes young players need to be patient – they end up getting a better outcome in the long term, have longer careers.
"If you're patient, get the work ethic right and all of that stuff, you want to hang around for a long time, not a short time.
"Sometimes young players want it all too quick and that's all part of man management."
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