// Rugby League Players Association boss Clint Newton has reached out to Ben Hunt to lend his support in the embattled star's attempt to leave the Dragons. And the Broncos have thrown their hat in the ring to land the veteran's signature, with coach Kevin Walters revealing on Triple M radio, "if he is officially on the open market it would be something we'd certainly look at". The classy halfback is at war with his own club, demanding an immediate release in a move that has rocked the joint venture. READ MORE: 'Queensland's baby': Gould's grim Origin admission READ MORE: Aussie superstar falls one run short of Ashes ton READ MORE: Fittler reveals shocking reason for Luai's 4am post Hunt is fed up with the Dragons' inept management and poor performances on and off the field and wants to go home to Queensland. And after leaving him alone during the Origin period, Newton messaged Hunt on Friday to help him resolve the issue. "I understand and support the concept that when you agree to a contract, you must sign it with the intent to finish it, but circumstances change - it's no different to any other industry," Newton told Wide World of Sports. "If the boss changes, as has happened with the coach there, or things aren't working out, you are entitled to explore your options, which is what Ben is doing. And for every player that asks for a release, I can give you 10 who get tapped on the shoulder by clubs and told they are no longer wanted - even though they are under contract. Stream the NRL premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now "And often the player will say 'I'm happy here, I don't want to go… but what are my chances of playing first grade here now if they don't want me?' "The clubs can make it difficult for the player to stay - they have all the power. You'd like to hope they can work it out but if they can't, they should show Ben some compassion. "He has given great service and wants to go home to Queensland. He's put his heart and soul into the club but he's clearly disappointed with the club's direction. "His performances speak volumes for his character. In a volatile environment, he's been their star performer. Now he is asking, 'Is this the place for me?' He wants to be at a high-performing club. "He is well within his rights to ask questions about the direction of the club. Clearly there is an issue he wants resolved. "If he wants out, it can only happen by mutual agreement, but it would be wise for the club to listen to him. I just messaged him and told him we had his back and if we can help in any way, we will." Hunt, 33, played the first 187 games of his NRL career at the Broncos - including the 2015 grand final - before moving south to the Red V. After helping Queensland win the second State of Origin game in Brisbane on Wednesday, Hunt told reporters, "We've enjoyed our time in Sydney but we're ready to come home (to Queensland)". That comment puts the Broncos, Titans, and Dolphins in the box seat for his signature if he is released. For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here! Rugby League Players Association boss Clint Newton has reached out to Ben Hunt to lend his support in the embattled star's attempt to leave the Dragons. And the Broncos have thrown their hat in the ring to land the veteran's signature, with coach Kevin Walters revealing on Triple M radio, "if he is officially on the open market it would be something we'd certainly look at". The classy halfback is at war with his own club, demanding an immediate release in a move that has rocked the joint venture. READ MORE: 'Queensland's baby': Gould's grim Origin admission READ MORE: Aussie superstar falls one run short of Ashes ton READ MORE: Fittler reveals shocking reason for Luai's 4am post Hunt is fed up with the Dragons' inept management and poor performances on and off the field and wants to go home to Queensland. And after leaving him alone during the Origin period, Newton messaged Hunt on Friday to help him resolve the issue. "I understand and support the concept that when you agree to a contract, you must sign it with the intent to finish it, but circumstances change - it's no different to any other industry," Newton told Wide World of Sports. "If the boss changes, as has happened with the coach there, or things aren't working out, you are entitled to explore your options, which is what Ben is doing. And for every player that asks for a release, I can give you 10 who get tapped on the shoulder by clubs and told they are no longer wanted - even though they are under contract. Stream the NRL premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now "And often the player will say 'I'm happy here, I don't want to go… but what are my chances of playing first grade here now if they don't want me?' "The clubs can make it difficult for the player to stay - they have all the power. You'd like to hope they can work it out but if they can't, they should show Ben some compassion. "He has given great service and wants to go home to Queensland. He's put his heart and soul into the club but he's clearly disappointed with the club's direction. "His performances speak volumes for his character. In a volatile environment, he's been their star performer. Now he is asking, 'Is this the place for me?' He wants to be at a high-performing club. "He is well within his rights to ask questions about the direction of the club. Clearly there is an issue he wants resolved. "If he wants out, it can only happen by mutual agreement, but it would be wise for the club to listen to him. I just messaged him and told him we had his back and if we can help in any way, we will." Hunt, 33, played the first 187 games of his NRL career at the Broncos - including the 2015 grand final - before moving south to the Red V. After helping Queensland win the second State of Origin game in Brisbane on Wednesday, Hunt told reporters, "We've enjoyed our time in Sydney but we're ready to come home (to Queensland)". That comment puts the Broncos, Titans, and Dolphins in the box seat for his signature if he is released. For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here! https://ift.tt/90oxjHm //
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