Karmichael Hunt will reportedly return to Super Rugby next season after being thrown a lifeline by the NSW Waratahs.
On the outer with Queensland Reds, Hunt, 32, has agreed to terms with the Waratahs, according to News Corp.
The former rugby league international, who also played 44 AFL games in four seasons for the Gold Coast Suns, has been in the rugby wilderness for the past 12 months,.
He joined the Reds in 2015 and played for the Wallabies last year, winning three caps.
But controversy has followed him to the 15-a-side code because of recreational drug offences.
In spite of Hunt’s availability for much of the 2018 Super Rugby season, coach Brad Thorn took a hardline stance and refused to pick the fallen star.
Hunt missed the entire 16-game season but made a comeback to Brisbane club rugby in July.
Hunt also played for Brisbane City in the National Rugby Championship during September-October.
Under the terms of a deal following negotiations that reportedly involved the Rugby Union Players Association, Rugby Australia and Hunt’s management, the Queensland Rugby Union will pay part of Hunt’s Waratahs contract.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Late mail time. The Hunt-Hegarty swap has not happened, and now with pre-season training underway it probably will not happen. So was this just a media inspired rumour or did it actually have legs? I personally would hope that the senior players in the Tahs squad said "Non" . I could not see any advantage or sense in the proposed swap. The only possible upside was for Hegarty who would have seen more game time at the Reds.
Redsfan1
Guest
I am yet to see what Banks has done that is so amazing he is the greatest thing since sliced bread as per Roar forums. Aussie rugby fans have a habit of hyping unknown players out of desperation to the poor Wallabies encumbants we have.
Redsfan1
Guest
Sorry Fionn, a few games in 2013. If you care to check the rest of that year and the five years past (hey what's five years when you're looking for a highlight), then any objective observer would be seriously underwhelmed at Quade Cooper.
Bobby
Guest
Just heard today that the Hunt deal is still far from a done deal. Tahs are not that keen on having him in their group. Interesting ?
Andrew Joseph
Roar Rookie
The key is the coaching staff. Get the coaching staff spot on, they can develop the players.
Andrew Joseph
Roar Rookie
Two new number 10’s in Matt McGahan and Teti Tela now contracted to Queensland to compete with Stewart; link
Andrew Joseph
Roar Rookie
Hegarty is a Queenslander and ex U20 Bronco. Marist Brothers Ashgrove. QUT. Why should he go to the Brumbies (after he has played already for Rebels then Waratahs). Surely the first goal of the each State should be to develop and retain or bring back their own state based players. As a fan, this is what I want to see. Then next step is alignment and player balance across other franchises with a view for a stronger Wallabies. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryce_Hegarty
Andrew Joseph
Roar Rookie
What is the drug testing policy with the Super Rugby teams? In other work places it is pretty common practice.
Andrew Joseph
Roar Rookie
True, Super Rugby teams need to mirror where the player would potentially play in the Wallabies. Only problem is injuries.
Andrew Joseph
Roar Rookie
Nearly bang on, just need to wait until Toomua returns from OS. Until then need another centre. Hopefully a large one with a bit of size.
Andrew Joseph
Roar Rookie
Should be three selectors; Queensland, NSW, ACT. End of story.
Andrew Joseph
Roar Rookie
ForwardsWinMatches talking about a backlines (belly laugh). Rebels Naivalu was traded to Reds. Your point is spot on. Wallabies have some serious backline depth. Some other names that could emerge this season as well.
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
And why would you want to push for more? I agree mate
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
I really don’t get the fascination with Hunt. At best he’s a good attacking player at times but his deficiencies seem to be overlooked so much. Like most league players he can’t tackle because they just need to wrap the ball to stop an off load, whereas in rugby you need to stop the player, drive him back and then tie the ball up so it can’t be recycled in the contest that continues after the tackle. His positioning play is poor, especially on defence and his distribution skills are weak. While I’d love the Tahs to sign him and AAC, I’m a Rebels and Reds fan, I can’t see him actually making a positive impact.
Bobby
Guest
Obviously no-one KNOWS at this stage. Maybe Just a lot of spin. Hunt can sit on his arse for 2019, play Prems a bit and pick up just under a million bucks. Not a bad gig for him.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Because he appears inflexible in his approach. McKenzie was a good coach because he realised it was easier for him to adapt to the players, than try to bend 30 individuals to suit him.
Bobby
Guest
HAS Hunt ACTUALLY been signed ???
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
Hey TWAS, I get the impression you are not a fan of Thorn as a Coach or is it because of his highly held ideals. For me - a great athlete in both League and Rugby and a very good AB but I do not rate him to succeed as a Coach. I also do not like someone to hold their own beliefs or values over the heads of others. Everyone makes mistakes. And I like your other comment above re: Karmichael being the only one in the dressing room …….. "
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
Zenn, and in fact the QLDRU could have overruled Thorn on the matter anyhow. They didn't and so they are as culpable in the decision.
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
Thanks jeznez. I can understand; money and also the uncertainty of future Wallaby selection. Good luck to him. I am amazed that more fringe players have not looked at overseas contracts under the Cheika coaching. May see more younger players do the overseas travel after 2019. Merry Christmas - Cheers