Josh McGuire has admitted St George Illawarra players have let Ben Hunt down in the past, with the halfback's long-time teammate in awe of the Dragons captain's ability to bounce back.
Hunt was the hero for the Dragons on Anzac Day, setting up two tries and coming up with three big plays late in their spirited 14-12 win over the Sydney Roosters.
Often the focus of criticism at the Dragons, Hunt has rebounded from an injury-riddled 2021 to be second in the NRL for try-assists with the Dragons now 3-4.
His Ashton Collier Spirit of Anzac Medal capped a weekend for the NRL's most scrutinised halves, with Wests Tigers' Luke Brooks nailing a last-minute field goal to sink South Sydney on Saturday night.
The wins have set up a clash between two teams who suddenly find themselves in form on Sunday in Wollongong, after both clubs were under fire a fortnight ago.
But as far as McGuire is concerned, the criticism Hunt received in recent years could be transferred to his Dragons teammates.
"He has probably been kicked around a bit the last couple of years with the way he has been treated," McGuire said.
"But I think as a playing group we probably haven't given him the support he deserved.
"He's had the price-tag stuff, but I feel like he's been our best player the last couple of years and he keeps producing big performances.
"He's been able to put together a string of games for us and he keeps putting on those big moments, like that 40-20."
Hunt is still some small chance of having Jack Bird partner him in the halves on Sunday, with the Dragons awaiting more scans on a suspected broken arm.
He has been named at No.6 on the off chance he does play.
Regardless, McGuire has no doubt Hunt will step up.
The pair have played together since their teenage years in Queensland and the Dragons skipper was a big part of the reason the former Brisbane forward headed to the club last year.
Hunt was part of the competition's most exciting attacking package in the first half of 2018, but has since become the last-remaining member of that spine with the Dragons missing the last three finals.
"You never hear one complaint out of Benny, that's what makes him so good," McGuire said.
"It comes with the job, halfback at a big club like the Dragons.
"But as a playing group he has never once pointed the finger at us. He just shoulders it and gets on with the business."
