Shane Flanagan expresses frustration over Ben Hunt’s departure from the Dragons.

Shane Flanagan, head coach of St. George Illawarra, recently shared his perspective on the departure of Ben Hunt, one of the Dragons’ most prominent players, after a tumultuous year marked by ongoing uncertainty. Hunt, the former captain of the club, officially parted ways last month, ending his tenure following repeated attempts to seek a move away. He has since signed a two-year contract to return to the Brisbane Broncos, marking a significant homecoming for the veteran halfback.

Flanagan’s relationship with Hunt was one of his first challenges upon succeeding Anthony Griffin as head coach. Hunt had been vocal about his discontent with the treatment of Griffin, who had been a mentor to him. Flanagan attempted to resolve these issues early, managing to secure Hunt’s commitment for the 2024 season. However, the cracks in this relationship became more evident over time, particularly during the State of Origin series, when Hunt again expressed a desire to return to Queensland.

Despite Hunt’s continued professionalism on the field, leading the Dragons’ attack with commendable consistency, the underlying tensions remained unresolved. The team’s struggles toward the end of the season—losing four of their final five games—further exacerbated the situation. Hunt reportedly felt unfairly singled out for the team’s failings, a sentiment that pushed the situation to a breaking point.

Navigating the End-of-Season Fallout

As the season concluded with the Dragons missing the finals, Hunt shifted focus to representing Australia in the Pacific Championships, but rumors of his dissatisfaction continued to circulate. Flanagan, increasingly aware of the strain this situation placed on both the player and the club, decided that a mutual separation was the best course. According to Flanagan, the ongoing uncertainty was not only draining resources but also creating an unstable environment within the team.

“It wasn’t just about me or Ben—it was about the entire team dynamic,” Flanagan explained. “The uncertainty affected everyone, from the players to the staff. The decision to part ways was necessary to restore focus and build a more cohesive environment moving forward.”

The Final Conversation

Flanagan clarified that the relationship between himself and Hunt remained amicable throughout the year, dismissing rumors of heated disputes. The coach described the end-of-season review as a constructive conversation involving himself, Hunt, and another coach. The session focused on identifying areas for improvement, rather than placing blame. “There was no argument—just three professionals discussing how we could do better,” Flanagan said, pushing back against media reports that suggested otherwise.

Ultimately, Hunt’s departure underscores the challenges of managing high-profile players in a volatile team environment. While the separation was fraught with difficulty, it paves the way for both Hunt and the Dragons to move forward with a fresh start in their respective journeys.