Dragons Move On from 27 year old in Search for Ben Hunt’s Replacement

The St George Illawarra Dragons appear to have shifted their focus away from Brodie Croft as a potential replacement for former captain Ben Hunt, who departed after seven impactful seasons. Croft, currently thriving with the Leeds Rhinos, was once viewed as the leading contender to fill the vacant halfback role and lead the Dragons back to NRL Finals contention. However, reports from The Sydney Morning Herald suggest that the club now has “zero interest” in securing his services.

Croft, who won the prestigious 2022 Man of Steel Award in the Super League, has enjoyed a career resurgence overseas after initially being groomed as Cooper Cronk’s successor at the Melbourne Storm. Despite his improved form and the possibility of being released from his Leeds contract, the Dragons are reportedly pursuing other options. Notable names like Lachlan Ilias and Adam Doueihi are now at the forefront of their recruitment strategy, with both players potentially available before their current contracts expire at the end of the 2025 season.

Adding fuel to the speculation, Dragons recruit Damien Cook has openly advocated for Ilias, praising his abilities as a traditional halfback. “Lachie is a great defender and a talented halfback who hasn’t had the opportunity to showcase his full potential,” Cook shared with The Sydney Morning Herald. While Ilias has faced criticism during a challenging season for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Cook believes the young playmaker would thrive under Dragons coach Shane Flanagan. Cook’s endorsement reflects the club’s intent to prioritize Ilias as a long-term solution for their halfback role.

Meanwhile, other potential recruits such as Daniel Atkinson, Tyran Wishart, and Bevan French have also been linked with the Dragons. However, these options seem less likely due to contract restrictions or diminishing interest. As the search continues, Flanagan and the Dragons remain determined to find the right player to steer the club toward a brighter future in the NRL.