Ben Hunt's request for immediate release denied by St George Illawarra Dragons
The Dragons have rejected captain Ben Hunt's call for immediate release after the halfback shocked the rugby league world with his decision over the weekend.
The club confirmed it received a request from Hunt's management on Sunday for a release from his playing contract.
"This request has been denied," the club wrote in a statement on Sunday.
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Dragons CEO Ryan Webb reinforced that Hunt is contracted to the club until the end of 2025.
Ben Hunt will have to fight his way out of the Dragons after the club rejected his release request Matt King via Getty Images
"Ben is contracted through to the end of the 2025 season and is a big part of the current and future plans of the Dragons as the club builds towards achieving sustained success in the coming years," he said in the statement.
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"We're committed to working with Ben to understand and address his concerns as we all have the same goal of building a strong and successful club."
Hunt was recently asked about his future at the Dragons on Thursday at Queensland's State of Origin camp and was non-committal.
"I don't know yet, I've got to get down there and talk to Flanno and the staff and go from there," he said.