Rugby league legend Andrew Johns is adamant that a possible return to the Sydney Roosters by Gold Coast hooker Sam Verrills will trigger a Ben Hunt release from St George Illawarra.

Tensions are reportedly running high between Hunt and the Dragons after a stinging club review of Hunt’s form in the last four weeks of the season.

According to Johns, speaking on his own Wide World of Sports podcast, Verrills is headed back to Bondi to fill the void left by the injured Brandon Smith who will miss a big chunk of 2025.

That move may see the Titans approach Hunt and give him his return to Queensland to finish his career if the Dragons have found a legitimate replacement for Hunt.