Immortal halfback Andrew Johns has called on St George Illawarra to stand firm in light of a request from Ben Hunt for his contract extension to be tied to coach Anthony Griffin’s future.
Hunt has publicly stated he wants to continue at the Dragons until the end of 2025 and he wants Griffin to remain as coach. They are both off contract at the end of next season.
Johns, when asked whether he would entertain a clause in Hunt’s contract which gives him a get-out option if Griffin is no longer coach, said: “No. Not a chance” on his Freddy and The Eighth podcast with Brad Fittler.
“If Hook goes, he’s going to go. Your captain or your player doesn’t decide who’s the coach.
“I can understand his loyalty. A lot of those players came through the Brisbane system when they won the under 20s [under Griffin]. Obviously they’ve got that relationship but you cannot be dictating to the club that if the coach goes, you go.”
(Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
The Dolphins and potentially the Titans could make a multimillion-dollar play for Hunt if the Dragons do not increase their extension offer, reportedly around $750,000 per season.
Johns said his value is upwards of $900,000 to $1 million per season “when you see what other halves are getting”.
Fittler disagreed, pointing to the team’s poor record of just one finals campaign with Hunt at halfback, saying he was worth around the $800,000 ballpark.
The NSW coach said he would like to see Hunt stay to help bring Jayden Sullivan through into the NRL.
RCG, Riki charged but can avoid bans
Brisbane forward Jordan Riki can avoid a two-match ban if he enters an early guilty plea for a shoulder charge in Thursday’s 53-6 flogging at the hands of Parramatta.
Riki rushed out of the line in the 21st minute on Eels prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard and after being given a grade-one charge, he can escape with a $3000 fine.
RCG was also charged for dangerous contact following a 25th-minute incident on Tom Flegler but is facing only a fine of $1000-$1500.
Tolman wants to go out ‘on a high note’
Veteran Cronulla prop Aiden Tolman has announced his decision to retire from rugby league.
The 33-year-old, who is the eldest and most experienced player in the NRL with 314 games under his belt, said he only came to the decision earlier this week.
His retirement call follows the decision of teammate and fellow front-rower Andrew Fifita on Tuesday to leave the club at the end of the season.
Tolman made his debut in 2008 for Melbourne and enjoyed a 10-year stint at Canterbury before linking with the Sharks in 2019.
“It’s probably only in the last 48 hours I got that answer,” Tolman said. “I want to go out here on a high note.
“I know the time is right and I’d much rather go out being happy and winning games.”
Tolman, who was born and raised on the NSW mid-north coast, said he hoped to move into a development role in country NSW.
The Sharks host Tolman’s old club Canterbury on Saturday as they aim to wrap up a top-two spot and secure a home semi-final.
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