Karmichael Hunt says he feels for Israel Folau but believes the Wallabies star’s absence could allow the NSW Waratahs to finally get some consistency in their backline.
Folau faces a Rugby Australia (RA) code of conduct hearing early next month after his latest controversial social media posting.
Like Folau, Hunt has fallen foul of RA during his rugby career and received fines and suspensions after he pleaded guilty to drug possession charges in 2015 and 2018.
Hunt and Folau first played together in senior rugby league more than a decade ago when they were part of Queensland’s State of Origin team and the Kangaroos World Cup squad in 2008, and were Brisbane NRL teammates in 2009.
They faced each other in the AFL in 2012 when Folau was part of the GWS when they logged their first win, against Hunt’s Gold Coast side.
Hunt played in the Wallabies backline alongside Folau in 2017 and joined him at the Waratahs earlier this year.
Asked how he felt about Folau’s situation as someone who had been given chances after incurring the ire of RA, Hunt said. “It’s a sad situation.
“I’ve got a personal connection with Izzy that’s gone back many years now, so to obviously see him the position that he’s in – regardless of what his behaviour has caused – I still feel for him.
“But there’s a process in place now which is out of our control, out of my control and away from my personal beliefs
“We as a team just have to worry about moving forward.”
Several of the Waratahs’ Test backs were rested in the first half of the Super Rugby season and Hunt suggested Folau’s absence would allow them to establish some continuity.
“I guess now, unfortunately, the situation that has happened (with Folau) it’s given us the ability to maintain some consistency with our line-up,” he said.
Hunt believes Kurtley Beale, the other main contender for the Waratahs’ inside centre spot, is now entrenched in NSW’s fullback spot vacated by Folau, after a strong performance last weekend.
And Hunt is relishing the prospect of playing regularly at inside centre, where he started his first three Tests, and potentially staking a claim for that position at the World Cup.
“I’ve been pretty vocal about 12 being probably better suited to me than 15,” he said.
Hunt credited Waratahs coach and former All Blacks inside centre Daryl Gibson for adding different elements to his game.
“He can see things in my game which I can add in terms of just changing running lines and getting into positions which allow me to be a bit more effective,” he said.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I think Cheika is in an interesting position. Option 1: Keep doing the same thing with the same players and hope the result changes. Result, Don't get out of the pool. Don't coach next year Option 2a: Completely re-tool the game plan and squad, Don't get out of the pool. Blame player depth and the other selectors Option 2b: Completely re-tool the game plan and squad, Win some games, make the semi's and be heralded as a genius. I am torn between Cheika going down with the ship, taking his favorites with him and seeing Australia do well.
Don
Roar Rookie
I detest that moniker of “the professor” Fox Sports gave him. The only thing he’s a professor of is history. He hasn’t had an independent thought about rugby worth listening to.
Jacko
Guest
Yep....kafer just another person who cannot think all by himself but needs RA to tell him what to think......Funny how he thought and voiced the opposite when Folau was the poster boy for RA but as soon as that changes so do their opinions of a players ability....PUPPETS
Jacko
Guest
They came across as being TOLD what to go and say by their employer......Genia was another one.....Weak individuals throwing a friend under the bus without the ability to have their own opinions. RA clearly now telling their players what to think....
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Hunt, at best will be a bench option. He's not THAT.good, hetting long in the toorh and quite slow. May be bettee opriins out there.
Don
Roar Rookie
People on the Roar have been giving the opinion that Folau would be better on the wing for the Wallabies since he made his debut. Rod Kafer joined in because he likes to stay onside with RA and keep his undeserved coin coming in from his side job with them.
Realist
Guest
Whether Folau is at Fullback or Wing is not relevant - Timbo is regurgitating the Rod Kafer nonsense that Folau wouldn’t be a great loss, even insinuating half the rugby community feels this way. Yes, you may gain a better kicker or or someone with more tactically astute positioning but what you lose is a once in a generation attacking threat, literally the sole attacking threat for the side (until Kerevi can really get settled at this level) and a safe pair of hands after the mess that was Beale. If DHP is the fullback in Tokyo and Pocock can’t drag the team through the pool stage and quarters (like 2011 & 2015) it could get very ugly.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Perhaps Izzy could take Beale & Hunt to his appeal as character references. Although they may already be in "hell".
Fionn
Guest
Well said Paul. Thought Foley and Hooper came across as very measured, and like true leaders. Bodes well from a Wallaby perspective too.
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
ahh come on now Timbo. Beale is a shoe in for the RWC at fullback if Cheika has any power left. He never let form get in the way of picking his Tah mates. The only thing that could stop that are the other 2 new selectors. We will find out over the next few months.
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
Nice one Neil :)
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
ahh Realist. Many of us think Folau was better on the wing. With a traditional style good kicking, solid defending fullback and 1 winger with Folau on another wing for X factor you've got a better balanced back 3. But all ancient history now :)
Tooly
Roar Rookie
You are no mate.
Realist
Guest
What a ridiculous comment Timbo. Folau wasn’t the full package but he was still twice as good as the next Wallaby save for a fit David Pocock. To deny that shows how truly ludicrous this whole saga has become
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Yeah, "he just quoted the Bible", except for its accompanying graffic. He might as well had a pic saying "Slavery is awesome!" and added Peter 2:18.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Societal opinions on recreational drug usage have softened in the recent past, and I don't think many give too hoots about what he sticks his nose into on the weekend provided that it is kept private. It is not something we want role modeled for our kids though. [Caution: Laviticus Trigger warning] Kokemon showed remorse and did his time, he didn't carry on like a pork chop claiming that he was exercising his freedom of expression. Not a huge fan of his work in sexual misconduct and domestic abuse, although in the distant past, I would have thought this mud would be better to sling than his love for nose candy.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Yawn, why do people keep pushing this blatant falsehood? None of his bible quotes mention homosexuality and hence none of the quotes have been criticised. It's when he uses his own words and posts memes that he gets himself in trouble.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
About half of the Rugby community are glad to the position opened up to a full service Fullback again.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I think this article, along with Hunt.s comments is well balanced, and has shown compassion and media savvy by not weighing in. I personally think, Folau or not, he has pushed Beale out of the 12 spot, and deserves to be considered for the Gold jersey. We can finally get Hoops away from defending that channel and he go back to helping out the forward back. Unfortunately for Beale, I can't see him getting a starting spot with Banks DHP and Hodge all competing for the fullback spot. Perhaps he should make a run for Foley's #10 Jersey.
In Brief
Guest
Who would have thought that in 2019 quoting the Bible, word for word, would be considered such an outrageous crime...