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AAP
AAP
Sport
Joel Gould

Hunt coy on future, endorses Flanagan as Dragons coach

St George Illawarra captain Ben Hunt is yet to make a call on his future. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Ben Hunt is yet to make a decision on his future but has endorsed the appointment of 2016 premiership-winner Shane Flanagan as St George Illawarra coach.

The Dragons skipper spoke for the first time since Flanagan's appointment while in camp with the Queensland Maroons.

The 33-year-old Hunt, signed at the Dragons until the end of 2025, was coy about his future and did not rule out a return to Queensland to finish his career.

But he was emphatic about Flanagan's appointment, saying the club needed an experienced coach rather than a rookie.

Flanagan, who coached Cronulla in 185 games, previously worked at the Dragons as assistant coach and as a list management consultant.

"I think it's what they needed," Hunt said of Flanagan's appointment.

"He's obviously shown he can do it before. He's won premierships and knows what it takes to build a good team and successful club.

"I think that's why they went in that direction.

"That (Flanagan's history with Dragons) could have had a bit bearing on why they brought him in.

"He probably has a good feel of what the club's like, how it's run, what he can change and make better."

Former Broncos half Hunt has said previously he was not keen to be part of a club rebuild at this stage of his career. He has been linked to a move to Canterbury, among other clubs, before his current contract expires.

"I really haven't made any decisions on it yet," he said.

"I haven't talked to Flanno or anyone since the decisions were made.

"At the moment I'm getting through Origin camp and then I'll talk to those guys.

"There's always a couple of clubs interested that have thrown their hat in the ring.

"I'm not going to go into too many details. I haven't had any official offers or anything from anyone at all. At the moment I'm contracted to the Dragons."

Hunt is from Central Queensland and a move back to play NRL for a Queensland club is not off the table.

"The career is coming to an end pretty quickly. I've only got a few years left," he said.

"I'd never say no, that's for sure. I love Queensland, I grew up here and will definitely come back here after footy."

Hunt has won a World Cup and multiple State of Origin series but winning an elusive premiership will guide his decision on his next move.

'"It's always a factor, for sure," he said.

"There's a lot of things that go into making a decision. A premiership's one of them."

Flanagan has assured Hunt he will remain at halfback if he stays, after former coach Anthony Griffin started him at hooker for one game, to Hunt's displeasure.

"I've always made it clear I'd like to play halfback at club level. Flanno understands that and said if I was there that's where he'd want me to play."

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