nib Newcastle Knights Head Coach Adam O’Brien has reduced his squad to 19 for their Round 5 fixture against the St George Illawarra Dragons at McDonald Jones Stadium this Friday night.
In the one change, Dylan Lucas replaces Tyson Frizell in the second-row.
Tom Cant and Tyson Gamble remain on the extended bench.
New coach Shane Flanagan, who stood firm that he would not release Hunt, appears to have convinced him to stay at the club beyond his contractual obligations.
There are reports that the Dragons have begun casual discussions surrounding Hunt’s future beyond 2025, when his current contract ends.
There are suggestions he could sign a new deal with the Dragons, who he has played nearly 200 games with, that would carry him through to the 2026 season.
In 2026, Hunt will turn 36.
Flanagan addressed the media on Thursday, indicating that Hunt “wanted” to stay at the Dragons.
Ben wants to be here,” Flanagan said.
“Ben will see out his contract and maybe go further.”
Formal talks surrounding Hunt’s eagerness to stay at the Dragons are set to begin in the coming weeks.
When Tom plays well, Manly play well, so we made his night as hard as possible and he was a bit quieter than he has been, but we’ve got to do it again this week,” Eisenhuth said.
“Kalyn’s a quality player, so I think every team that comes up against them needs to do a job on him because he’s such an important part of their attack and no doubt we’ll be trying to do the same thing against the Knights.”
The Dragons are chasing their third win of the season so far in Newcastle on Friday night after beating the Titans in Round 1, losing to the Dolphins and Cowboys, and then overcoming the Sea Eagles last weekend.
