The Dolphins NRL club has terminated a controversial sponsorship deal amid regulatory hurdles, while speculation mounts over potential recruitment of St George Illawarra Dragons captain Ben Hunt.
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Regulatory pressure forces sponsorship exit
Alternaleaf and the Dolphins have ended their partnership following ongoing challenges with the Therapeutic Goods Act. The relationship faced public scrutiny earlier this season when the team was forced to tape over Alternaleaf’s branding during their Darwin fixture.
“Given the regulatory challenges, our partnership has concluded,” Dolphins CEO Terry Reader confirmed. “However, we maintain positive relations with Alternaleaf and remain open to future opportunities should circumstances change.”
Kelly King, speaking for Alternaleaf’s parent company Montu, expressed pride in the association with the Dolphins, highlighting the team’s impressive performance in their sophomore season.
Rumours swirl as Hunt eyes Queensland return
Meanwhile, the club faces mounting speculation regarding St George Illawarra Dragons captain Ben Hunt. The Queensland veteran, who has been granted permission to explore offers for 2026, has previously expressed interest in finishing his career in his home state. Hunt, a former Brisbane Broncos halfback with over 300 NRL appearances, would bring valuable experience to the developing squad.
Sources close to the Dragons told The Herald that the club would consider an early release for Hunt in 2024—despite his contract running through 2025—provided they receive adequate compensation.
However, according to the Daily Telegraph,the Dolphins management maintains a measured stance despite media reports suggesting preliminary talks. “We’re always interested in good players if they’re interested in coming to our club but at the moment there’s nothing to report,” says Reader.
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Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf moved swiftly to address the rumours head-on. “I can sit here with my hand on my heart and say we’ve had no contact at all,” Woolf stated firmly. Instead, the coach doubled down on his support for rising halfback Isaiya Katoa, with whom he shares a strong connection through their time together with the Tongan national team.
“I love what Isaiya Katoa brings. He’s an outstanding halfback and he’s a guy that I think is going to be an elite halfback in the NRL and I think he’s already shown that,” Woolf said.
Published 21-October-2024
