St George Illawarra Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has candidly discussed the departure of former captain Ben Hunt and the team’s evolving halves combination. Hunt, who had been with the Dragons since 2018, was released from the final year of his contract in November 2024, subsequently signing a two-year deal to return to the Brisbane Broncos.
Flanagan expressed frustration over the circumstances leading to Hunt’s exit, noting that despite efforts to address Hunt’s concerns—particularly following the termination of former coach Anthony Griffin—the relationship remained strained. He remarked, “I needed to get to Ben… and see if I could resolve some of the issues that he was having with the club. I think I did that… But Ben has a good relationship with Anthony and he was pretty disappointed when he was terminated. I don’t know if he got over that.”
In the wake of Hunt’s departure, the Dragons have restructured their halves pairing. The club signed 24-year-old Lachlan Ilias from the South Sydney Rabbitohs on a two-year deal to take over the halfback role. Ilias, who played 53 games for the Rabbitohs, is expected to bring fresh energy to the team’s attack.
Kyle Flanagan, the coach’s son, has also solidified his position within the team by extending his contract until the end of the 2027 season. Having played 20 games at five-eighth during his first year with the Dragons, Kyle is set to partner with Ilias in the halves. Coach Flanagan highlighted his son’s experience and versatility, stating, “Kyle has been an asset for us with his experience and versatility.”
Reflecting on the team’s dynamics post-Hunt, Flanagan suggested that the Dragons might be better positioned moving forward. He hinted at previous challenges, noting that certain “bad habits” had been addressed, leading to a more cohesive unit.
The Dragons’ revamped halves combination aims to usher in a new era for the club, focusing on building synergy and achieving consistent performances in the upcoming season.
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