Karmichael Hunt has re-signed with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds until the end of the 2019 season.
The 30-year-old former Brisbane Broncos, Queensland State of Origin and Australia representative made his Wallabies debut against Fiji in Melbourne earlier this year — becoming the 48th dual code Australian international.
Hunt also spent five years playing in the AFL with the Gold Coast Suns before joining the Reds in 2015.
The new deal comes two years after Hunt was nearly run out of the game following his arrest for cocaine possession in February 2015.
The utility back was fined $2,500 in court after pleading guilty to four charges of cocaine possession.
Rugby Australia and Queensland Rugby Union also suspended Hunt for six weeks in addition to hitting him with $30,000 fine.
However, he is now very much part of Wallabies coach Michael Cheika’s plans for the 2019 World Cup in Japan and said he was delighted to put pen to paper.
“It’s been a big year for me personally, obviously making my Wallabies debut was a huge honour but I really enjoyed getting some really solid minutes up in Queensland with Reds,” he said.
“I’m really enjoying my time in rugby. There have been some challenges but I’ve been loving the journey to now.”
Hunt has come off the bench against Wales and England in his first taste of Test rugby in Europe.
“The spring tour has opened my eyes a bit to how big the game is in the northern hemisphere,” he said.
“The atmosphere at Twickenham last Saturday was up with the best I have ever experienced.
“I definitely have my eyes on the 2019 World Cup in Japan. I think this Wallabies group is building something special and it’s something I really want to be part of.”
Hunt also said the appointment of his former Broncos teammate Brad Thorn as Reds coach was huge factor in his decision to stay in the 15-man game.
“I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with Thorny next year at the Reds too,” he said.
“We have a great mix of players at the Reds now and I think the coaching staff can bring the best out of the group.”
Lance J
Guest
Gee. That's a real shame for Australian rugby.
Train Without A Station
Guest
Say what you want about the bloke though, he knows how to find the white line!
Dave_S
Guest
I like Magnay, but that’s the only area in which he provided more than Hunt.
Dave_S
Guest
I’m more relaxed about that issue. It wasn’t a performance enhancing drug, and I know plenty of lawyers and doctors who’ve lived the high life at one time or another. In terms of the Reds’ culture: have the Reds had a discipline / culture problem as a result of not taking a harder line? No. Has he been a positive contributor and role model since then? Yes. So I reckon the net result is a win for the Reds.
Rebellion
Guest
We certainly know what he spends his pay cheques on ??? Very consistent player for the Reds this season but I definitely wouldn’t describe him as a line breaker Would rather have Campbell Magnay on the roster than Special ‘K’ any day
Train Without A Station
Guest
Sale Sharks for one off the top of my head.
Train Without A Station
Guest
I actually am disappointed that the Reds didn’t show some hard standards and terminate his contract at the time and instead spouted some semantics that as it happened whilst he was signed to the Suns that made it difference. But it doesn’t change the fact that he’s been a very good footballer for us.
Dave_S
Guest
Yes, and is now arguably the WBs best utility back. But sadly it’s pretty predictable which articles bring out the mouth breathers for comment ...
Tooly
Guest
Nothing to get excited about just a waste of money .
papagaai
Roar Rookie
Naturally he signed - who else would pay top dollar for a convicted druggy.
Train Without A Station
Guest
He has been one of the Reds best and most consistent players his entire time...
Vic rugby
Guest
Best part for hunt is he really hasnt had to play alot for those big fat pay days. Why wouldnt he stay
Jock Cornet
Guest
He's brought a ton of Persian rugs to the game, been paid millions by the ARU and what has he delivered to qld or Aust apart from looking cool. SWeetFA. The level of interest says it all, we could have developed proper domestic comps on the waste of resources he has cost Rugby. A pure mercenary.