St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor is maintaining his faith in $6 million man Ben Hunt despite the halfback's axing to reserve grade.
McGregor was shocked when told that Hunt, who will join the Dragons in 2018 on a six-year NRL deal, had been axed for Brisbane's clash with South Sydney.
"Are you serious?" McGregor said, taken off guard during a press conference to announce his two-year contract extension.
"I find that quite strange."
Hunt's demotion will fuel rumblings of discontent and rumours linking him with an early release to join the Dragons.
The Dragons have depth in their halves with Gareth Widdop and Josh McCrone piloting the side to the top four after 13 rounds.
They have capable back-ups in Jai Field and Kurt Mann.
It's understood the Dragons won't go out of their way to lure Hunt to Wollongong a year early but would welcome him with open arms if he fell in their lap.
Despite the 27-year-old's relegation, McGregor was bullish that he would prove an astute singing for the Red V.
Asked if his opinion of Hunt had wavered, McGregor said: "No it doesn't.
"I think Ben is going to be a great acquisition to the club in 2018.
"I feel that I'm very happy with my playing group in 2017. If you look at Ben's career he's been one of the better players in a football team that's been at the top of the ladder for a very long time."
McGregor also dismissed suggestions Hunt could be scarred by his axing, pointing to his history of getting the most out of players who had been discarded by their former clubs including hooker Cameron McInnes and prop Paul Vaughan.
The pair have been a driving force behind the Dragons' revival in 2017 and were mentioned as possible NSW debutants.
Both were forced to find new homes last year.
McInnes left Souths following Robbie Farah's signing while Vaughan languished in Canberra's reserve grade side for most of last year but has discovered career-best form with a change of scenery.
"I understand a change in environment is everything for a player and (Hunt) is a person that signed for multiple years who I will have the pleasure of coaching. I've got nothing but admiration."
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