Dragons skipper Ben Hunt has reacted to the “exciting” appointment of Shane Flanagan as head coach, admitting he’s “glad” the membership opted for an skilled possibility.
But the veteran halfback didn’t present any readability on his future as rumours proceed to flow into a couple of potential early launch.
The Dragons confirmed Flanagan’s three-year deal on Wednesday with a membership assertion revealing the board “unanimously agreed” on the premiership-winning coach.
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Flanagan, who took the Sharks to their maiden premiership in 2016, beat Dean Young and Ben Hornby — each premiership-winning gamers with the Dragons however little-to-no expertise as head coaches.
Speaking at a Queensland media alternative on Thursday as he prepares for Origin II, Hunt threw his help behind the appointment.
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“It’s exciting. I’m glad they’ve gone with an experienced coach, I think that needed to happen down there, someone that knows how to run a club and has been there before,” he stated.
“The main thing I’m just glad they’ve finally come to a decision and got someone in there and everyone can move on now.”
Hunt confirmed that he was given a heads up by Dragons CEO Ryan Webb earlier than Flanagan was introduced.
And he has confidence within the appointment given Flanagan has expertise in reworking a membership.
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“It definitely helps knowing that you’ve got a coach that can turn a club around from wooden spooners to premiership winners in two years,” he stated.
“I guess that’s probably part of the decision making that the board made. They wanted someone that could turn it around quickly.”
Hunt is contracted till the top of 2025, however there’s been query marks over his future on the Dragons ever since he stated he doesn’t “have the time” to “start it all again” if the membership sacked ex-coach Anthony Griffin.
It was reported this week that three golf equipment are fascinated with his providers.
The 33-year-old was pressed on his future on Thursday however regardless of being supportive of Flanagan’s appointment, he was nonetheless unable to commit.
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“I don’t know yet, I’ve got to get down there and talk to ‘Flanno’ and the staff and go from there,” he stated.
“At the moment I’m focused on winning (Origin) on Wednesday.”
He did, nevertheless, verify that he solely has eyes for the No.7 jersey amid perception from some that one of the best ways ahead for the Dragons is to shift him to hooker to permit up-and-coming playmakers Talatau Amone and Jayden Sullivan companion one another.
“I definitely want to play seven. I’ve made that pretty clear my whole career, seven is where I enjoy playing,” he stated.
Source: www.foxsports.com.au