Could Terrell May release make Ben Hunt a Rooster?

The Sydney Roosters have emerged as the top suitor to home Ben Hunt, following the release of Terrell May.

Following his mutual parting with the Dragons, Hunt has been in conversations with a number of Sydney and Queensland clubs.

However, after allowing Terrell May to explore other options, the Roosters enter the Ben Hunt race with salary cap space and potential to make a serious bid.

“If you would have asked me a week ago, I would have said there were other options that were just as likely but I think well and truly now, the Roosters are in the box seat,” The Sydney Morning Herald’s Adrian Proszenko said on SEN1170 Afternoons.

“The second they tapped him (Terrell May) on the shoulder, you thought they are freeing up cash to make a big play at someone and that someone appears to be Ben Hunt.”

The Roosters will also enter the new season without Sam Walker and Brandon Smith, who are recovering from ACL injuries.

Hunt’s ability to cover the positions and strengths of these players could make him a valuable addition to the Sydney side.

“He would likely begin at the halves and then potentially transition into the hooker role and that would allow Brandon Smith to play in the back row,” he added.

“Clearly he ticks both those boxes.

“It’s a win, win for them.”

Hunt remains without a club as the pre-season quickly approaches, and Proszenko urged the Roosters to make a move fast to make the most out of the star halfback.

“When you have a guy like him available, you want him for the start of preseason, so he can start working on the culture and setting standards.”