Hunt keen to stick with rugby beyond 2017

Wed, Apr 12, 2017, 2:51 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Karmichael Hunt is enjoying his best year in rugby since converting from the Gold Coast Suns in the AFL. The Reds fullback believes his team is building but feels for those on the Super Rugby chopping block.

Karmichael Hunt says his body has had enough of code switches and is keen to keep his future in Australian rugby.

The three-code star has been at Ballymore since 2015 but his rugby career has only started heating up in 2017.

A scandal-riddled 2015 followed by persistent groin injuries in 2016 have hampered Hunt's transition to the 15-man game but he has been among the best - if not the best - Queensland player this season.

He puts that down to getting his body back to an optimal weight to play rugby and with his contract expiring at the end of this year, Hunt said he is keen to keep it that way.

"My body has had enough of the transitions, I think," he said.Hunt is hungry for success at Ballymore. Photo: Getty Images"I'm pretty comfortable sitting at 94 kilos and I'm loving my rugby.

"I haven't had this much fun in a long time.

"Obviously my journey has pretty well documented so there have been a lot of challenges involved but now I feel like I'm in good stead to keep building on my performances and keep staying physically ready so I can play some good rugby."

Hunt was one of 11 Reds at Michael Cheika's Wallabies camp in Canberra at the weekend and on current form, Hunt will push for a spot in the 23.

The Reds could have done with that form in the shambolic second half against the Brumbies but Hunt said the players have taken full accountability for the performance.

"The boys are very disappointed in their effort," he said.Hunt says he is keen to stay in Australian rugby. Photo: Getty Images"To come out and let the Brumbies run over them like that was unacceptable.

"The boys have owned it, stood up and said that we need to be better.

"Yesterday was our first session back as a team and everyone looked sharp and fresh."

Hunt will be back for the Reds when they name their team tomorrow to take on the Kings, after missing the Brumbies clash with concussion.

Quade Cooper will also be back at flyhalf, having served his three-game suspension for a high shot against the Lions in South Africa.

"When the suspension happened we knew we were going to struggle to cover his expertise because he's our main playmaker," Hunt said.

"He was our main playmaker throughout the season and for him to go down was a bit of an adjustment, to get Jakey (McIntyre) involved.

"Him being back in the fold is going to be beneficial for everyone."

Share
Dropped before a debut: The three minutes that moulded Reds halfback Werchon
The Super Rugby Pacific Board has appointed Jack Mesley the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of Super Rugby Pacific (SRP).
Jack Mesley Appointed CEO of Super Rugby Pacific
Write them off at your peril: Kellaway refusing to buy into downfall of Crusaders
Rodda says return from injury 'felt like my debut again'