Ben Hunt is currently in the best form of his career both at club and representative levels of the game.

He has been the primary reason why his side the St George Illawarra Dragons remain a chance of making the finals and was sitting atop the pile when the Dally M leaderboard went behind closed doors.

In game three of the 2022 State of Origin series, Hunt secured Queensland’s victory in the game and brought the shield back to the sunshine state with a late try that put the match beyond doubt for the Maroons.

The 32-year-old is off contract at the end of 2023 and revealed he was looking to remain at the Red V for longer in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald back in January.

“I’m definitely open to staying at the Dragons beyond next year, and it’s bloody exciting seeing these kids come through,” Hunt said.

“These guys now have their chance to make their own mark and set the club up for the future.

“They hang out together every day, they are in each other’s pockets, and the few games they all played together last year they were all sniffing around each other for the ball.

Anthony Griffin previews our 100th match at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium this Friday night 🐉 #redv pic.twitter.com/DyIM1l4biq

— St George Illawarra Dragons (@NRL_Dragons) July 21, 2022

“When it’s all said and done, my family want to get back to Queensland and live in the Sunshine State.

“I’m not saying I’ll go back to finish playing there.

“I’m open to wherever my career takes me.”

Despite Hunt’s willingness to remain a Dragon beyond 2023 it seems the club have not been as proactive as their star player according to Fox League’s James Hooper.

“Given all the noise coming out of the Dragons dressing room at the moment around coach Anthony Griffin it’s surprising the club is yet to table a formal offer to try and retain Red V captain Ben Hunt,” said Hooper.

“The Dragons are yet to kick into gear in terms of tabling him a new deal.”

There is no word on whether or not Hunt has been disenfranchised with the lack of faith displayed by the Red V but is likely just focussed on helping the Dragons surge into the top right and take them back to finals footy for the first time since 2018.