The Mole: The two halfbacks the Dragons are most likely to poach to replace Ben Hunt
The Dolphins' Sean O'Sullivan or Bulldog Toby Sexton shape as the Dragons' best hope of securing an established halfback for 2025 following the club's decision to cut ties with Ben Hunt, effective immediately.
In a move that has been coming for some time, the Dragons finally bit the bullet on Wednesday and ended their stormy relationship with Hunt.
The Queensland star is now likely to return to his home state, either to the Titans or Dolphins.
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But that leaves the Dragons with a massive void to fill. O'Sullivan has proved a capable playmaker at both the Panthers and Dolphins without ever being able to secure a regular spot and seems the best option.
St George Illawarra Dragons players, including Ben Hunt, react after conceding a try. Getty
Sexton is happy at the Bulldogs after one strong season but the lure of a long term deal could see him ask for a release.
Should Hunt fail to find a deal to take him back to Queensland, the Bulldogs are perhaps the Sydney club in the best position to make a play at him.
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While the Bulldogs improved significantly in 2024, culminating in their first finals appearance since 2016, there is a school of thought that further progress will be difficult until they either buy or develop a top class No.7.
Young gun Mitchell Woods, currently 18, is touted as a future star halfback but is unlikely to be ready to guide a team at NRL level for at least the next two years, potentially making Hunt the perfect stop-gap and mentor.
If that case can be successfully made, Hunt could be convinced to join a club coming into a premiership window to finish his career, potentially putting Sexton in the frame for a club swap.
