Dolphins always keen on players like Ben Hunt: coach

The Dolphins have not yet made contact with Ben Hunt but would be interested in any NRL player of his calibre, says coach Kristian Woolf.

St George Illawarra captain Hunt became the biggest name on the open market when the Dragons granted him permission to field offers for 2026 before free agency officially begins on November 1.

Hunt said last week he was still expecting to see out the final year of his contract in 2025, but that could change depending on negotiations set to play out over the coming weeks.

The 34-year-old halfback has long been contemplating a move back to Queensland to finish his career, with the Dragons blocking previous requests for a release in 2023.

Reports emerged on Thursday that Gold Coast would not pursue Hunt amid a wealth of their own playmaking options, while Brisbane have previously been linked with a play for Sydney Roosters half Sam Walker – also able to field offers from November 1.

Incoming Dolphins coach Woolf said contacting Hunt was not on his immediate list of his priorities as he prepares to lead Tonga in Friday’s Pacific Championships clash with Australia.

“I read the media reports and I can sit here with my hand on my heart and say we’ve had no contact at all,” Woolf said on Thursday.

“At the moment it’s not something I’m interested in talking about.”

But ahead of the Dolphins’ third season in the premiership, Woolf said his side would always be keen on players of Hunt’s ilk.

Hunt recorded more try assists (34) than any other player in 2024 and as of Thursday, Isaiya Katoa and Kodi Nikorima are the Dolphins’ only halves options contracted beyond next season.

“We’re always interested in talented players and Ben Hunt is a talented player, he’s playing for Australia at the moment,” Woolf said.

“We’re always interested in having those conversations but as I said, that conversation hasn’t happened at the moment.”

Woolf said he was all in on Katoa, who has blossomed into one of the league’s outstanding young playmakers since the pair first worked together during Tonga’s 2022 World Cup campaign.

The 20-year-old will have the chance to affirm his credentials as the Dolphins’ long-term half when Tonga face Australia at Suncorp Stadium.

“I love what Isaiya Katoa brings. He’s an outstanding halfback and he’s a guy that I think is going to be an elite halfback in the NRL and I think he’s already shown that,” Woolf said.

“He’s got a great opportunity against Australia tomorrow night as well to show that he can hold his hands up at this stage. I’m really confident that he will.”

The departure of million-dollar man Hunt would leave the Dragons with ample funds to pursue a replacement from 2026.

Walker, Daly Cherry-Evans, Braydon Trindall and Brad Schneider are among quality playmakers entering the final season of their contract and able to negotiate with rivals from November 1.