Karmichael Hunt hopes playing a senior role in a new-look NSW Waratahs squad will lead to a Wallabies return in 2020.
The 33-year-old code-hopper has signed on for another Super Rugby season, having revived his stalled career by moving from the Queensland Reds to the Tahs this year.
But it is a very different NSW Waratahs squad that has begun preparing for next season, shorn of departed Wallabies veterans Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps, Sekope Kepu and Tolu Latu as well as the sacked Israel Folau.
That’s just the key player turnover.
New head coach Rob Penney arrives later in the week and the franchise is yet to appoint a new CEO.
Hunt’s experience and toughness promise to be valuable commodities and he believes he and fellow veterans Kurtley Beale and Rob Simmons must be ready to take on added responsibility.
“I’m no spring chicken like some of the boys in the shed, but I’m really eager and just looking forward to continuing to work on my craft,” Hunt told Fox Sports.
“My leadership and experience around the club, with it being such a young team at this point in time, is crucial.”
A knee injury effectively ended his chances of going to this year’s World Cup, but Hunt wants to add to the six Test caps he earned in 2017 when new Wallabies coach Dave Rennie takes over next year.
“Absolutely, being a competitor, you want to play at the top level,” Hunt said.
“I believe my game is made for the top level.”
While Hunt was fined and suspended by Rugby Australia in 2015 and 2018 following drug-related issues, he has earned the respect of the Waratahs players and management.
Penney said he was looking forward to working with Hunt and expected him to continue playing a vital role midfield role.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to can’t speak highly enough of Karmichael, his attitude, professionalism and experience will be extremely valuable this season,” Penney said.
“He’s a supremely talented athlete and from all reports, sets the example for our younger guys in the way he goes about his business, looks after his body and prepares for game.”
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Fionn he has not shown any evidence of that, but on a similar stance Beale has shown that ..... turnstile defence at 12 but at 15 Beale puts his body on the line and takes runners ball and all ..... so if Maddocks shows he can do that then I will stop my criticism but he has shown no evidence to date
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
I reckon that Maddocks would defend fine for a 10 though. I also think he would defend better at fullback than the wing, he puts his body in the right spot, he just doesn't have the defence to stop big bodies on the wing. I think he'd put his body on the line in covering tackles.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Pirate you must have watched different games to me ..... Maddocks is a turnstile in defence ..... ccall him a speed bump cos he don't get low enough
PiratesRugby
Guest
I think Maddocks is potentially a great 10. Fast, strong, good pass and good vision. I don’t buy the chat about his defence. I watched him in every home game he played last year and he was good in defence. The problem was that the Rebels’ structure disintegrated in the second half of the year. People were saying Koroibete’s defence was bad. I’ll be interested to see what Rennie does. I hope he reaches out to Maddocks. Playing sevens is probably a reaction to being told he’s not in the frame for Wallabies. He probably thinks an Olympic medal sounds pretty cool. Honestly, I’m just glad Cheika is gone. There’s a lot of work to be done to rebuild Australian rugby, repair our international reputation and win back the fans. Let’s face it, the Wallabies have been rubbish for four years.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Guest
It's November 27 and an early sighting this year, earlier than usual but I'm still prepared to claim it: Dear Roar, I wish to report the first talking-up-of-the-Rebels posting of the 2020 Super Rugby season. Equivalent to the English tradition of reporting to The Times the sighting of the first cuckoo of spring, the T-U-O-T-R is not quite as longstanding a tradition, and is about rugby not birds, but matches the Northern Hemisphere's tradition for passion and dedication. And there's nothing wrong with that! (My prediction: 8th) Yrs, ATW.
Jockstar
Guest
He would be great at the Rebels to deliver that experience with QC & Genia. Rebels are going on places from these signings.
MitchO
Guest
Maybe this season he can play a little 10? If he can't tackle at wing I don't see him tackling as a fullback. But what the heck. Lots of guys can't tackle. DHP can't really play anywhere except fullback and he's the captain so hard to see that being fixed.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
"who is a defensive leader and decent distributor (in the Conrad Smith type role)." Which may work if they put Moeroa at 12. It'll be interesting to see what Penny does. New coach, so anything is possible I guess.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
He played 13 well for the Reds at times. I don't think that's his best position and I wouldn't recruit him to be a first choice option but he's a serviceable option in that role if you want a player who is a defensive leader and decent distributor (in the Conrad Smith type role).
riddler
Roar Rookie
12 and 15. 13 is not his spot. first receiver on phase play. am a big fan of the lad.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Have to love KHunt publicly putting his hand up for Wallaby selection. No different to Matt Toomua. Give me a break guys. Shut up, play well in SR and let your form to the talking!
Peter
Guest
If you want to take a cheap and unwarranted shot at someone, call them a “code hopper.” Saves you having to think.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Yeah farcical to sign your best back from the season just finished...
Harry
Guest
Hope the old boy can stay fit this year but unlikely looking at his track record. Good footballer and if he can stay on the field will be of use at either 12, 13 or 15.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Yeah mate, think that 7s is the thing he needs least. I think he and Hodge are both at risk of failing to achieve their full potential. Maddocks’ problem is that he isn’t getting to play fullback.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
I really don't know what to make of Maddocks. There is something there but it needs work. And I don't think the Sevens circuit is the place to to work on it. He risks going deep into his career without focus or guidance.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Easy place to improve from though, and virtually impossible to do worse.
Malo
Guest
Farcical signing, playing the old experienced line, which means too old and slow and injured.
SD
Guest
Michael Cheika has left the Wallabies in diobolical position.Dave Rennie and his assistants have a massive job on their hands to fix it.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Because Cheika was coach for the last 6.