American football may be one of the few boxes Karmichael Hunt has not ticked but the code hopper still has an insight into what it takes to make the switch to NFL.
And NRL convert Jarryd Hayne may not like what he said.
Hunt’s brother-in-law, ex-AFL player Scott Harding, left in 2011 in his quest to become the first Australian wide receiver in American football.
Three years later the former Brisbane Lion is still getting his head around the plays during his scholarship stint at the University of Hawaii.
Hunt warned Hayne that playing NFL was like learning a new language – and the teacher was “pretty ruthless”.
“He has a big task ahead,” Hunt said of Hayne’s NFL ambitions.
“I know because my brother-in-law is at the University of Hawaii in his fourth season as a wide receiver.
“He has relayed how different a transition NFL is.
“I look forward to looking on like the rest of everyone.
“Physically he has the attributes.
“It is whether he can pick up a playbook.
“It’s like learning a new language and they are pretty ruthless over there.”
Asked if Hayne had a chance of breaking into the NFL, Hunt said: “I think so – if he thinks he is a chance, then he is.”
Hunt has joined Israel Folau as the only men to make the top grade in all three winter codes in Australia after the ex-Brisbane Bronco ended a 44-game AFL stint to sign with former Super Rugby champions the Queensland Reds.
He did not believe he could be called a pioneer but hoped he had helped give the likes of Hayne the confidence to think outside the box and follow their dream.
“I don’t know if I can take 100 per cent credit for being a pioneer or being an influence on what other players do in their careers,” he said.
“But I certainly feel to some degree me being able to make a decision and go after what I want made it a little bit easier for them to make their decision.
“If anything it is a lesson for the youth – don’t shy away from your goal.
“If it helps you grow as an athlete and a player, take it.”
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All the team list information for Round 8.
