by Dragons captain Ben Hunt denies there’s a ‘cannon’ at struggling club…while NRL outfit continues to play off-pitch drama
Skipper Ben Hunt claims that the fighting Dragons have no problem with culture and denies that there is a snitch in their ranks after ex-Captain James Graham’s furious tirade.
The merger club is heading into the 2023 NRL season with a shocking list of off-pitch incidents that began as only three players – including Hunt – showed up at the end of season prize night.
The club was then pumped to a tune of 42-24 in Charity Shield by the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Turning a headache into a migraine, teammates Mikaele Ravalawa and Zane Musgrove argued at 6am at the team’s hotel after a night out drinking.
Adding to the team’s woes, striker Francis Molo recently appeared in court and pleaded guilty to charges of domestic bullying starting in December.
Mikaele Ravalawa and Zane Musgrove had an explosion at the band’s hotel in the early hours of the morning after a night of drinking
Francis Molo has pleaded guilty to home bullying charges since December
The NRL’s Integrity Unit is now investigating the case and will make a decision on punishment after a court hearing scheduled for March 22.
The team has already been forced to step down by Talatau Amone, who is currently awaiting trial next month on charges of reckless grievous bodily harm at the company in connection with the alleged hammer attack.
But Hunt rejects any criticism of the club’s culture.
“I really don’t have a problem with the culture here,” the captain told Channel 9.
“Obviously something has happened to a few people the club is working on and working with these guys to help them. Overall, I don’t think there is a cultural issue.
Hunt does not believe there is a cultural problem with the Dragons, despite a number of off-field incidents and on-field hits
Talatau Amone of the Dragons was recalled under NRL’s no-fault policy
There are a lot of great guys here and everyone works hard every day to be better. Everyone wants to win, so I have no problems.
“We had a discussion as a gaming group about the incident and what happened. We took care of that and said it was time to move on and focus on rugby league. (We said) that things like that don’t happen here anymore and that it’s just about football.
“The start of the season couldn’t have come sooner for us. We need to go out and play some games. If we start playing and winning games, it doesn’t matter.
Hunt also dismissed Graham’s suggestions that there was a “kanos” in the ranks.
“Nowadays, it seems that everything is coming to light. No matter what happens, there’s no hiding it,” he said.
– I don’t think there is a mole in the group. I don’t think there was anyone who intentionally went out and gave the club money. It’s just something that happens these days.
A disastrous off-season saw the Dragons tied with the New Zealand Warriors at $6.50 and record the fewest wins of the season, with only Newcastle Knights and the new Dolphins franchise boasting fewer odds.
This also put pressure on coach Anthony Griffin.
Former Dragons captain James Graham blew up his radio spot saying there was a snitch in the club’s ranks
Hunt and Griffin have plenty of work ahead of the club’s season opener in the second round against the Gold Coast Titans
Fortunately for the Dragons, the club has a week one farewell and Hunt said the time will be used to discuss what happened in Mudgee’s Charity Shield week.
“What we did in Mudgee wasn’t good for us, but we believe that’s not what we’re after. I definitely think we have a lot more to offer than what we showed there.
“We built something really good in pre-season, so in a way I’m happy that happened. We probably removed this game from our system and we know we have to be better.
“It’s kind of a wake-up call that the games are here now and we need to be better than we were there.”
