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Jayden Sullivan believes he is capable of making the St George Illawarra No.7 jersey his own if Ben Hunt leaves the club.
Hunt wouldn’t be drawn on if he had played his last game for the Red V in Friday’s night’s 48-18 capitulation to the Warriors, with the matter to come to a head during a meeting with officials this week. The Maroons star had his initial release request blocked, but the Dragons may yet let the disgruntled skipper go if they are suitably compensated.
The Dragons have two other promising playmakers on their books in Sullivan and Talatau “Junior” Amone, local juniors hoping to make their mark in first grade.
Fearing his path was blocked by Hunt, Sullivan asked for a release last season to join Canterbury. The request was denied and Sullivan is currently partnering Hunt in the halves, with Amone coming off the interchange bench, predominantly as a dummy half.
Sullivan said he was keen to continue to learn from Hunt if he stayed, but backed himself and Amone to fill the void if he didn’t.
“A hundred per cent. We’re two very confident kids,” Sullivan said.
Jayden Sullivan believes he’s ready for the No.7 role.Credit: NRL Photos
“We’re not really kids any more, we’ve played a bit of first grade now and I feel like it’s something that we’d be willing to do.
“But at this moment in time, Dozer [Hunt] is still in our team. Whether that [changes] or not, that’s got nothing to do with me.
“I’m just here to play footy every week. I feel I’ve played all right, I’ve played a few games now
“Obviously, I want to play in the seven and Dozer knows that as well. He’s doing everything he can to keep me out of that position, too.
“We’re two footballers; two doesn’t go into one and three doesn’t go into two, with Junior as well.
“So whatever happens, happens. If he’s there, I’m licking my lips because I can learn off him as well.
“I’m in a win-win situation at the moment. I saw it on the other end of the stick last year, where I wasn’t in the team and you kick stones. I did [briefly] kick stones.
“I’m trying my hardest every week and I’m in the team. We didn’t get the win and some of that is on me.”
Ben Hunt during Friday night’s loss to the Warriors.Credit: Getty
Sullivan described Hunt as a mentor on and off the field.
“He’s a competitor, he competes for 80 minutes,” Sullivan said.
“He played Origin two days ago, and he’s backing up and playing for us. He’s a real team-first player and all the boys want to play with him and we want him to stay.
“At the end of the day, that’s way out of our hands. We need to start winning games, and hopefully it will change his mind.
“He was close to winning the Dally M last year, he’s one of the best halfbacks and hookers in the game.
“He’s gonna teach me a lot of things, not just on the football field, but especially off it.
“He’s got a beautiful family, two young kids and I love them in my home.”
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Speaking after the game, Hunt said he was unsure if he would again play for the Dragons. The 33-year-old is expected to discuss his concerns with officials, including incoming coach Shane Flanagan.
“I’m keen to get it sorted out, I have a meeting with the club this week and we’ll get to the end of it,” Hunt said.
“I honestly don’t know [if I’ve played my last game for Dragons].
“I’ve had some tough days and some really good days. That’s the roller coaster of rugby league.”
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