How Ben Hunt could shake up the Bulldogs

Following the allowance from St George Illawarra for Ben Hunt to speak with other clubs, many are speculating where the halfback will end up.

The Sydney Morning Herald’s Adrian Proszenko expects his future to be at the Bulldogs.

“I’m pretty sure that Ben Hunt has played his last game for the Dragons,” Proszenko told SEN1170.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Canterbury explore this option.”

Proszenko and Jimmy Smith discuss what a Hunt addition could do for the Bulldogs, the two believing his experience and power could add a lot to the Canterbury side.

“I cast my mind back to the semi final that the Bulldogs lost to Manly where they had all the ball but didn’t have the smarts to close it out. I dare say if Ben Hunt was playing in that team, they get the job done," he said.

The addition of Hunt could see a shift in the current team line up, by allowing for a greater selection of halfbacks as Hunt would join the ranks of Toby Sexton and Mitchell Woods.

This could also allow players like Reed Mahoney to utilise the bench, allowing him to play to his full potential.

“Mitchell woods is a promising youngster… (and) perfect bridging player,” Proszenko added.

“I don’t think Reed Mahoney playing 80 minutes, helps Reed Mahoney,” Smith said on SEN1170.

“You could play 60-65 minutes and then someone like Ben Hunt can go into that dummy half role.”

A shift in halves leads to questions of who will step into the sides and locks.

“Could you get Matt Burton at first receiver?” Smith added.

“Kurt Mann could be at lock, he has proven himself to be that smaller player, first receiver.”

“There was a lot of talk when Stephan Crichton initially went over there that he would play fullback but he’s probably the best centre in the world so doesn’t make a lot of sense to shift him,” Proszenko added.

The two cement Ben Hunt would be a welcome addition to the Bulldogs in 2025, expecting to see an exciting shake up to the team.