The Queensland Reds are expected to announce Karmichael Hunt and James O’Connor as the newest additions to their playing list at the club’s gala ball in Brisbane on Friday night.
After making a shock switch from the NRL, Hunt spent four seasons with AFL club the Gold Coast Suns before announcing his retirement from the code on Thursday.
Since it emerged that Hunt was planning another code switch, potential suitors began lining up to secure his signature – the Reds never far from the front of the pack.
James O’Connor’s return to the Australian rugby scene has not been surrounded with the same question marks as Hunt.
After escaping the Australian spotlight through stints with London Irish and Toulon, O’Connor has his eye on a return to the Wallabies squad under Ewen McKenzie.
James O’Connor looks set to line up next to former Wallaby team mate Will Genia once again – this time in red. (Tim Anger Photography)
Ever since watching him play for the Brisbane Broncos, Will Genia has been a big fan of Karmichael Hunt.
Now recovering Wallabies halfback Genia hopes the code-hopping Hunt becomes someone fellow new recruit James O’Connor looks up to at the Queensland Reds.
Genia would not confirm whether the Reds would officially announce O’Connor and Hunt as their key signings for 2015 at the Super Rugby club’s gala ball, but he certainly entertained the idea on Friday, saying Hunt would be an ideal role model for all Reds players – especially wayward Wallaby O’Connor.
Genia said they already had the leadership group to steer the once troubled O’Connor in the right direction but believed Hunt’s injection would prove invaluable.
“I think we have the leadership capabilities here to help him work through those issues,” he said of O’Connor, back from a French stint.
“But I think in his time away from Australia he has matured and grown as well.
“If someone like Karmichael comes along he can help as well.”
Genia on Friday sounded like the wide-eyed fan who first spied Hunt in Broncos colours when the code hopper was mentioned.
“I have never met him but I have heard a lot about him,” Genia said of Hunt who on Thursday announced he would end his four-year AFL stint with Gold Coast.
“I used to enjoy watching him as a little kid when he played for the Broncos.
“If he were to sign I would love to train and play alongside him – it would be awesome.
“He is obviously world renowned as a professional athlete.
“As a player he’s an unbelievable athlete, a great talent, much like Israel (Folau) in that sense.”
With AAP
Justin3
Guest
Yes because those two haven't won a super title ffs
Justin3
Guest
It had more to do with defence and structure than smithing else imo
Squirrel
Guest
Reds are are softer than a chocolate top in the sun. They should strive for the spoon but at least Joc is playing again for the wallabies.
Jake
Guest
Wasn't L'Equipe the paper that first raised the doping allegations about Lance Armstrong?
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Means little when we don't have the forwards to compete with the big boys. Australian Rugby has always been obsessed with backs, until that attitude changes we won't win the big trophies.
Squirrel
Guest
Send Beale up there and you will have XXXX FACTOR, but still go no where due to a soft pack
ethan
Guest
Agreed. Making the right choices out of this talent proves more difficult however..
ethan
Guest
Reds need to win first, worry about the Australian rugby depth second.
ethan
Guest
bahaha. Just stirring the pot. Seriously though, they have the potential.
Bunratty
Guest
Yes....a real gentleman on and off the field. Looking forward to seeing a Reds turnaround in '15.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Mckenzie will be in seventh heaven with all the backs he has at JOC on top of he mass of back line talent he has already.
Daz
Guest
+10 he would have been a far more valuable addition than JOC.
Mike
Guest
"It’s not like the forwards were blown away and there was nothing that could be done." I disagree. The primary issue was with the forwards. This is not a jibe at the Reds, but support for Savage's comment above which was directed at the Wallabies. "and they were okay at the break down." OMG. If that is "okay" then we will continually lose. "The Wallabies are never going to be a team that dominates up front." Its a question of not BEING dominated, and they were dominated last Saturday night for significant portions of the match. I agree that the ABs had a class backline that was able to ruthlessly exploit what their forwards gave them, but those backs wouldn't have looked as good if their pigs hadn't done that. "They [Wallabies] have to get better at playing a dynamic game and match the All Blacks for tempo and skill." Sure, but I am just saying that that starts with the forwards.
Targa
Guest
The Chiefs, Hurricanes, Highlanders and Waratahs might disagree!
RobC
Roar Guru
Meanwhile, James Slipper wins the Pilecki Medal, People's Choice and Spirit of the Reds awards. He's the only Reds forward and player who consistently delivered his job description at top level. Probably the same for the Wallabies. Its time we stop talking about the backs and start focusing on the guys who actually wins games
RobC
Roar Guru
Rob G
Guest
Look no further than across the tweed. Genia in form is another matter I'll admit. Foley is getting better and better while cooper has massively regressed since 2010.
Fred
Guest
Well said
Eddard
Roar Guru
The Wallabies got beaten everywhere on Saturday. It's not like the forwards were blown away and there was nothing that could be done. The Wallabies lineout and scrum was pretty much even (except when down a lock, as is to be expected), and they were okay at the break down. The All Blacks simply had more intensity, speed and skill across the park. The Wallabies are never going to be a team that dominates up front. They have to get better at playing a dynamic game and match the All Blacks for tempo and skill. Likewise, the Reds with this team need to play a very quick style of game.
Fred
Guest
Like we are lacking that? Hunt is all that...but a whinging sort of fella which is exactly what no one needs... Mark my words union will be too hard for him and he will be done after one season and back to league