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Canterbury have turned their attention to off-contract representative star Ben Hunt as they weigh up a potential late bid to lure the veteran halfback to Belmore next season.
A third party reached out to the Bulldogs in the past week to inform them that Hunt had a keen interest in speaking to coach Cameron Ciraldo and general manager Phil Gould because he believes Canterbury are on the cusp of a premiership.
Talks around Ben Hunt’s future will ramp up this week.Credit: Getty Images
After learning of Hunt’s views on the club, and his willingness to sacrifice money in order to join a potential premiership-winning team, Ciraldo and Gould agreed to meet with the 34-year-old earlier this week.
Hunt, who was released from his contract with the Dragons for 2025, is adamant he wants to play on in 2026 – ideally at a club he believes can win a premiership.
Hunt has attracted interest from the Dolphins, Broncos and Roosters. The Dolphins are believed to have the strongest financial offer, but their premiership credentials are the question.
The Broncos have also met with Hunt, but their desire is to use him primarily at hooker, a position he has previously baulked at given the workload and his age.
The Dragons have released Ben Hunt from the final year of his contract.Credit: Getty Images
The Roosters have also held discussions and are willing to pay Hunt about $500,000 a season for two years, but they have also indicated he would be used at No.9 with Brandon Smith to miss a large chunk of next season with a knee injury.
The Bulldogs are in discussions about an extension with incumbent No.7 Toby Sexton. They are now mulling over whether Hunt on similar money is more beneficial than retaining the man who contributed strongly for the Bulldogs in the back half of the season. Hunt would almost certainly add weight to the Bulldogs premiership hopes during the next two years.