The noise, speculation and rumours around the future of star St George Illawarra Dragons half Ben Hunt are unlikely to be going anywhere anytime soon.
The Queensland State of Origin winner - who can play either halfback or hooker - is off-contract at the end of 2023 and reports suggest the Dragons are having plenty of trouble tying him down.
From the idea that Hunt potentially wants a clause added to his contract regarding the future of coach Anthony Griffin, to reports suggesting the Dragons 'lowballed' Hunt with an offer of around $750,000 per season, the Dragons have just over two months remaining until Hunt gains the right to negotiate with any other club in the competition.
That is a scary thought for Dragons fans when they consider exactly how good he has been this year, and how poor the remainder of the team have played around him.
While the Dragons will be desperate to retain Hunt, it's no sure thing, and with clubs already showing interest, Zero Tackle looks at the top five clubs not named the Dragons where he could end up in 2024.
1. The Dolphins
All the talk is that the Dolphins are going to land Cameron Munster for the 2024 season, with the star Melbourne five-eighth reportedly wanting to stay in Melbourne, but not for what he is currently being offered.
That's hardly a surprise given the Victorian-based club have already re-signed Ryan Papenhuyzen, Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant on long-term deals.
The money left in the cap just isn't enough to entice Munster into staying when reports suggest the Dolphins are throwing over $1 million per season his way.
That leaves the Dolphins as the front-runner for Munster's services.
Should they land Munster though, a halves combination of Hunt and Munster must be enticing to the club, who could dominate on the back of it.
Money and how much salary cap space to spend on halves could be an issue, but there is no question the club have plenty of cash lying around with some of the bargain buys they have made thus far.
This is no sure thing, but what is sure is Hunt's relationship with Bennett, and the fact the pair would likely turn the Dolphins into a powerhouse.
Verdict
In all likelihood, the Dragons still seem a strong chance of retaining Hunt and have the inside running for another two months.
Once that time expires though, the odds on Hunt leaving the Red V will increase in a big way, and the Dolphins or Titans would likely become the favourites simply thanks to their geographic location.
Still, the Knights and ability to lead that team out of the doldrums is an enticing opportunity.
In truth though, it'll either be the Dragons or Dolphins for Hunt in 2024.
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