Ben Hunt’s management will hold off on discussions with other clubs until his commitments with the Kangaroos are finished, after the Dragons made it clear that a 2025 release would not be considered prior to his joining the Australian camp.
Meanwhile, as Parramatta explores the possibility of signing unsigned half Ronald Volkman as a depth option, and Maika Sivo nears a move to the Super League, tensions between Hunt and the Dragons persist. This comes after the club gave their highest-paid player early approval to explore the 2026 market.
After being informed that contract extension talks would be reconsidered based on his performance at the start of the 2025 season, Ben Hunt’s camp is now pushing for an immediate departure rather than waiting another year. Over the past 18 months, Hunt has had several release requests denied.
As reported on Sunday, Hunt is concerned that his contract issues could become a distraction for Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos squad.
His camp has expressed disappointment with the timing of St George Illawarra’s decision—just two weeks before Hunt becomes a free agent on November 1—to both the club and coach Shane Flanagan.
Although he has been linked to the Dolphins and Bulldogs, Hunt has instructed his management not to engage in any negotiations until after the Pacific Championships final on November 10.
Before leaving for Kangaroos duties, Ben Hunt was informed by the Dragons that a release in 2025 was not part of their plans, and he would be expected to return for pre-season training in January.
Hunt’s captaincy is expected to face scrutiny again due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future.
With the Dragons budgeting for Hunt’s salary, estimated at around $950,000 for next year, they anticipate only being able to afford one of Clint Gutherson or Josh Addo-Carr, not both former NSW Origin players.
Gutherson is emerging as the Dragons’ top recruitment target, especially after he was recently given permission to explore other options, thanks to his experience and versatility as a fullback.
Eels coach Jason Ryles has informed Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson that an extension could not be offered due to uncertainty surrounding his potential shift to a utility role.
Gutherson has yet to decide on his future and has not had a meeting with Dragons coach Shane Flanagan, while the Eels are considering a move for former Warriors playmaker Ronald Volkman as a back-up half.
Manly has also shown interest in the 22-year-old for a similar role following an off-season signing controversy, which resulted in the Dragons receiving a $40,000 NRL fine.
Volkman, who has since recovered from the shoulder injury that derailed his move to the Dragons last January, was left $175,000 out of pocket until a confidential settlement with the club was reached two months ago.
Maika Sivo is expected to reunite with former Eels coach Brad Arthur at Leeds, as a deal nears completion.
During commentary of Saturday’s Fiji-Papua New Guinea Test, in which Sivo played for Fiji in a heavy defeat to the Kumuls, Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould hinted at the developments.
The 31-year-old winger was given permission by the Eels earlier this year to explore other options and has a long-standing relationship with Arthur, who recruited him from Penrith in 2019. Sivo has scored 104 tries in 115 games for Parramatta, ranking behind Luke Burt (124), Jarryd Hayne (113), and Brett Kenny (110) in club history.
Sivo experienced inconsistent form during the 2024 season and was dropped by Arthur before reclaiming his spot late in the season under interim coach Trent Barrett.
The Eels are expected to contribute to Sivo’s 2025 salary, as they are doing with Reagan Campbell-Gillard’s three-year deal at the Gold Coast, following his release earlier this month.