The Canberra Raiders want to avoid the Ben Hunt rumour mill unless the unhappy St George Illawarra Dragons halfback is genuine about his desire to seek a new start at another club outside of Queensland.
Hunt appears determined to leave the club with two-and-a-half years remaining on his NRL contract, despite the Dragons' best efforts to keep him against his will, denying his management's release request on Sunday.
Green Machine supporters are eager to see the Raiders throw their hat in the ring to fight for Hunt's signature should he depart the club.
Even though Canberra rates the Maroons star highly, and Hunt's camp are keeping their options open, the Raiders' hands are tied while he's still signed to the Red V until the end of 2025.
"We can't approach Ben's manager because he's got a contract," Raiders coach Ricky Stuart told The Canberra Times.
Until the Raiders' halves succession plan becomes clearer with five-eighth Jack Wighton's exit to Souths looming at the end of this season, the uncomfortable reality is Canberra will keep being mentioned as potential suitors for halves on the open market, along with other teams in need of a boost in that area.
If Hunt does leave the Dragons, it will ignite a chaotic round of musical chairs in the NRL following Luke Brooks' decision to depart Wests Tigers just over a week ago.
Other notable playmakers not locked in for next season include Shaun Johnson and Jaeman Salmon.
The Raiders would need to make an attractive offer to lure Hunt away from moving closer to family in Queensland, with the Gold Coast Titans best placed to snatch the 33-year-old from the Dragons.
Current Canberra No.7 Jamal Fogarty is currently signed until the end of next season, and back-up halves Brad Schneider, 22, and Matt Frawley, 28, could step up in place of Wighton, however, they are both off-contract after this year.
The club is still working out what the future looks like without Wighton. (DT)
