The Roosters have emerged as a shock vacation spot for wantaway Dragons star Ben Hunt, who dropped a bombshell this week that he’s on the lookout for a launch from the membership.
The Roosters are the third group after the Bulldogs and the Titans to be revealed as potential suitors for Hunt, however that record is bound to develop within the close to future.
Fox League’s James Hooper confirmed the Roosters’ curiosity within the Queensland star on Monday night time’s version of NRL360.
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“The left-field surprise contender that emerged today is the Sydney Roosters,” Hooper mentioned.
“The Chooks had a gutsy win over the Knights on Saturday and as this news began to reverberate around the game, powerbrokers at the Roosters immediately began to have those conversations how they could possibly fit Hunt into their roster.
“There are three ongoing clubs that are monitoring this situation, the Titans, the Roosters and the Bulldogs.
“At this stage, no deals have been done and it’s now up to the Dragons to try and fix this mess that they have created.”
Hooper went onto say that Hunt is “highly unlikely” to line up for the Red V of their Round 17 conflict towards the Warriors in Wollongong.
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“Hunt is in Maroons camp and will feature for Queensland on Wednesday night and off the back of that, word has filtered through that he is highly unlikely to back up for the Dragons on Friday night,” Hooper mentioned.
“Hunt, in all likelihood, will be given a leave pass from the wrath of the Red V fans on Friday night.
“I’d be surprised if he plays that game … there’s still a hell of a lot more to develop with this story.”
The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield isn’t so positive that the Roosters have an interest, pointing to a dialog with the membership’s chairman Nick Politis.
“I don’t want to poo on his (Hooper’s) story … I did speak to Nick Politis today and he insists they are heavily invested in Sam Walker and Luke Keary for this season and next,” Rothfield mentioned.
“I spoke to Nick too, and he said the same to me about how they are invested in Keary and Walker. But I started to think to myself, (Matt) Lodge is going, (Joseph) Suaalii could be moved on, they dropped Sam Walker earlier in the season and I thought, there could be a level of interest here,” Braith Anasta responded.
Rothfield then mentioned: “yeah, there could be, but I’m just reporting a club denial.”
Rothfield believes Hunt will try to execute a transfer to the Titans to be “closer to family in Queensland.”
“I have a feeling that it’ll eventuate this way.”
“He’s worn out, he’s had enough (of the Dragons). He doesn’t think he can win a premiership there.”
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Veteran journalist Brent Read believes the Titans provides Hunt extra of an opportunity to win a comp than he would have with the Dragons.
“I think he’s closer to winning a premiership with the Gold Coast to be fair. They have a decent forward pack,” Hunt mentioned.
“If he (Hunt) goes to the Roosters, that’s it for Sam Walker. He’s not hanging around.”
Anasta went into bat for the Bulldogs as probably the strongest choice for Hunt of the present suitors.
“Canterbury have been terrible this season, but they have Stephen Crichton next year, Kikau and Burton to return and with Hunt in there, they are a totally different team,” Anasta mentioned.
“I didn’t say the Gold Coast aren’t a greater choice however we’re writing the Bulldogs off early as a greater choice contemplating the gamers they’ll have subsequent season.
Source: www.foxsports.com.au