Shane Flanagan and the Dragons are reportedly interested in Tigers gun Adam Doueihi’s services, with veteran playmaker Ben Hunt’s future up in the air.
Red V powerbrokers reportedly granted Hunt permission to talk to rival clubs, effective immediately for the 2026 season.
However, the SMH is reporting it’s looming likely the 34-year-old has played his last game for the Dragons, despite conversations beginning regarding a contract extension earlier this year.
Doueihi, 26, has reportedly been discussed as a potential target, with the Lebanese international a free agent from November 1.
Should the Tigers be willing to release him from the final year of his contract, Flanagan would reportedly be interested in recruiting him for the 2025 season.
Kangaroos gear up for Tonga clash | 02:44
The versatile star, who can play five-eighth and in the centres, is reportedly earning around $350,000 next year, signing a one-year extension in June.
He’s been plagued by injuries across his 94-game career, with an ACL rupture his most recent long-term sideline stint.
Doueihi looms unlikely to win a spot in the halves under Benji Marshall, with Jarome Luai, Lachlan Galvin, Jayden Sullivan and Latu Fainu all contracted in 2025.
Meanwhile, for Hunt the Dragons’ move marks a significant U-turn from the club, who previously declined their marquee man’s requests to be released from his contract.
An internal end-of-season review reportedly informed Hunt that his performances weren’t up to standard, and should the club get something in return, they’d reportedly be willing to allow him to depart before the 2025 season.
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RABBITOHS AND KNIGHTS SWAP OFF
The Rabbitohs and Knights’ potential player swap between Lachlan Ilias and Jackson Hastings have reportedly been called off after talks between the clubs.
Ilias reportedly made contact with incoming coach Wayne Bennett, who gave him positive news regarding his future at the South Sydney club, according to The Daily Telegraph.
The master coach reportedly informed him there’s still a place for him with the Rabbitohs if he is willing to see out his current contract, which expires at the end of the 2025 season.
Bennett, meanwhile, has previously worked with Hastings in the Great Britain side in 2019, but he reportedly had no desire to move Ilias on.
The 24-year-old endured a tumultuous 2024 season, suffering a nasty leg injury in reserve grade after being dropped by the NRL side.
Hastings reportedly had one year left on a contract worth around $800,000, having also been dumped by coach Adam O’Brien.