He’s hungry, but Karmichael Hunt won’t rush his Super Rugby comeback for the sake of pushing his claims for a Wallabies call-up.
After a breakout season for the Queensland Reds, Hunt is very much on Michael Cheika’s radar for Australia’s first Test of the winter, on June 10 against Fiji, in Melbourne.
A knee injury, though, is stalling the former Kangaroo’s quest to join the likes of Israel Folau, Timana Tahu, Lote Tuqiri, Mat Rogers, Wendell Sailor and Andrew Walker as Australian rugby’s latest dual international.
The in-form fullback missed the Reds’ weekend loss to the Chiefs and is only 50-50 to make his return against the Rebels in Melbourne on Saturday.
“I’m pretty close. I did a training session (on Tuesday), I’ll push on til Thursday and hopefully get to the captain’s run feeling really good about myself and about the knee,” Hunt said on Super Rugby’s Kick and Chase program on Fox Sports.
“But I just want to be pretty cautious because I’ve had this injury in the past before, played on it and ended up having to get surgery.
“So I don’t want to go down that track.”
While Israel Folau is almost certain to retain Australia’s No.15 jumper, Hunt said he’d been in “to and fro” contact with Cheika since he was called into camp last month with an extended Wallabies squad.
He hopes to at least earn a place in Cheika’s 23-man squad to face Fiji.
“I think I’ve been building. Its definitely been my best year of rugby so far, my body’s feeling great and I just want to continue tracking in the right direction and hopefully get back out on the park this weekend,” Hunt said.
Turning 31 this year, the former Brisbane Broncos NRL star and Gold Coast Suns AFL convert said his code-hopping days were behind him.
But he also said the lure of a Wallabies jersey wouldn’t be the determining factor in his decision to play on beyond 2017 after placing contract negotiations on hold until after the June Tests.
“I don’t think it affects my decision. I’m really enjoying my football and the transitions are in the past for me,” Hunt said.
“I feel comfortable with where my body’s at, I really love what we’re doing up here at the Reds and I just want to get better.
“It’s all about improvement for me. It’s all about finding things in your game that you can work on and playing good football and if a Wallabies jersey comes, it comes.
“Obviously I would love to be part of the Wallabies set-up, but there’s a lot of hard work to be done before I get there.”
Jock Cornet
Guest
On his last legs , why would you renew his contract.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Gotta say the 'heading' for this article is not representative of the subject matter. It sounds arrogant which is not reflected in Hunt's comments. Likewise... I've got no idea what 'God's dandruff issue' is? ;)
Riddler
Guest
Agree twas.. He was superb at 10 for biarritz. . The guy has some serious ability.. Pity he had the God's dandruff issue and then injuries.. We have lost two seasons of him.. but now hopefully he will be around for another few..
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I think Hunt plays his role well, rather than tries to run the show. I tend to think he'd work anywhere that you put him.
CUW
Guest
nah that will cramp Cooper's style. Cooper did not play well with Foley . u cant have 2 band leaders . especially with players like Cooper - who play off the cuff. 15 is his place , but Folau shud be on wiing for auzzy.
sittingbison
Guest
I thought there was a moratorium on contracts
Sportscrazy
Guest
Hunt... the best of the Reds in 2017. The team is less when he is not playing He should be at in centre - closer to the action and able to support QC in defence and attack.