2 weeks Ago
Broncos recruit Ben Hunt has opened up on his admittedly “messy” Dragons exit, but defended his leadership and commitment over his seven years at the club. Watch every ball of Australia v India LIVE & ad-break free during play in 4K on Kayo | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer > Hunt was signed to the Dragons in 2018 on a monster million dollar a season deal, but made the finals just once in his seven seasons.
Despite the lack of team success, Hunt believes he gave everything he had to the Dragons in a bid to try and win them a first premiership since 2010. Speaking with Channel 9 News , Hunt was taken aback by the suggestion he wasn’t totally committed to the Dragons. “I didn’t know I was portrayed like that,” Hunt said.
“The whole time I was there through my seven years that I was with the Dragons, I turned up at the same time and did all my extras and did the part that I had to do. As a captain, I felt like I led to the best of my ability. “I was definitely invested and I wanted to go down there to win a competition.
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“It did get a little messy there at the end. It’s time to move on and look to the Broncos.” Hunt will return to his former club the Broncos on a two-year deal worth $550,000 a season.
However, Hunt gave serious consideration to staying in Sydney for family reasons with the Bulldogs and Roosters possible landing spots and he admitted the drawn out contract saga took its toll. “The last six years have probably been a rollercoaster, but the last month or so has been pretty crazy - I’m happy to finally get a decision made,” Hunt said. “There were little moments here and there where it started to take a toll and everything, getting down and getting a bit stressed out.
I managed to come through it all with the help of my wife and the people close to me. We’re just happy to get a result now. “There was no real point anywhere along the way that I had a definite decision and that’s probably why it dragged out so long.
We were on the fence about a lot of things, weighing up the pros and cons of moving our family. “It was a tough decision and in the end, the lure to the Broncos was too strong.” Hunt will return to the club he played 187 games for from his debut season in 2009 to 2017, which included the heart-breaking Grand Final defeat to the Cowboys in 2015.
The chance to erase the memories of his infamous dropped ball off the kick-off, which handed Johnathan Thurston the chance to slot a golden point field goal, was a big reason why he chose the Broncos. “It’s definitely the goal,” Hunt said. “I think they’ve got the side and the coaching staff .
.. I just want to come in, play my part and help them achieve that.
In my heart, I always wanted to get back there and I never thought I’d get the opportunity to return there. “If I’m gonna finish my career, that’s somewhere I definitely want to do it.”.
