Karmichael Hunt could become a shock halves option for Brisbane, with the code-hopping star set to train with the Broncos for the first time since 2009.
Hunt is expected to join Brisbane as soon as next week on a train-and-trial deal, paving the way for his first NRL game since leaving the code in 2009.
While Hunt has been playing rugby league in Queensland Cup for Souths Logan this season, the Broncos have continue to hit new lows.
This week’s move to drop Anthony Milford and unite Tom Dearden and Brodie Croft at No.6 and No.7 is their ninth halves change in 15 games.
They also entered Thursday night’s home clash with unbeaten Penrith at the longest odds in the club’s history, paying $14 to win with the TAB.
Brisbane have won just one game under new coach Kevin Walters this season, prompting them to consider Hunt as an option.
Hunt has played AFL and rugby union since last featuring in the NRL, and while he has been playing at centre in Queensland Cup he has some history at five-eighth.
Hunt initially made his return to league for a path into coaching, but former Wallabies teammate James O’Connor believes the 34-year-old is still good enough to make an NRL comeback.
“He’s a very calm head, not relaxed, just calm no matter what is happening and it creates belief around him so a guy like Karmichael could really help steer the ship there,” O’Connor told AAP last month.
“I saw the highlights as well (in Hunt’s first game for Souths Logan); he was on, he looked good.
“He was doing really well for the Waratahs and could have easily gone around once or twice more.
“He was one of the best performers in all of Super Rugby AU; his game had developed, it was a complete game.”
Meanwhile Walters has insisted the Broncos’ fall from grace had not lowered pressure on players, despite being clear underdogs.
Walters jokingly asking reporters if he could borrow $100 when asked about the $14 odds on Brisbane against Penrith.
“There’s always pressure on the Broncos; it’s the jersey, the badge, regardless of what other people think,” he said.
Opposed Session
Roar Rookie
Haha hopefully he takes Peter with him!
G Len N
Roar Rookie
Jason Smith. There was a cunning footy player. He knew how to get from A to B on a paddock with minimum fuss. I wish Hunt well. It just worries me that we look to a 34 year old to shape our team. He was v good for the Tah’s last year.
Dutski
Roar Guru
So just 3 years after stripping the Storm of titles the Roosters go over the cap by one and a half times what the Storm were - that’s 50% greater than the greatest cap breach in the code’s history, and the NRL sweep it under the carpet? Wow! And to think. Only Matty Johns, some unnamed person at NRL HQ and one or two Bunnies supporters know! Thanks for unveiling this conspiracy. I shall sleep well tonight now the truth has been told.
Nat
Roar Guru
It's only a train and trial contract and they would want to be sure as it is the last spot in the 30 and tme is running out. Apparently he was one of the best backs for the Tahs last in 2020. I've seen a bit of him with Souths this year and he's still got skills but not tearing it up, demnding selection form. He could be our new Jason Smith...
G Len N
Roar Rookie
How many times has a team (any team) bought in a senior player and it’s worked out for them? Recall Ben Te’o? Issac Luke? The Reds did a few years ago in a desperate attempt to add depth and maturity.....dismal failure. Stephen Moore. Hodge for the Lions in recent years has worked but he is the exception to the rule.
Nat
Roar Guru
Tell Simon he's sacked. All elite pathways now comes exclusiely through te Magpies. :laughing:
Nico
Roar Rookie
Absolutely, Corrowa's one try in two games for the Coast gave him a very handy strike rate :silly:
Spartacus
Roar Rookie
So you're saying Matty Johns and the unnamed NRL salary cap official who broke this story back in 2013/2014 need psychiatric care? Because they caught the Roosters out Dutski? What about a team already filled with rep talent before those 2013 signings? What about 3 "Million dollar men" and about 8 guys on half that or more in 2018/2019? So to summarise you statement old mate; "nothing to see here. Lift mat and sweep". :laughing:
Emcie
Roar Guru
Oh god, you see he was struggling to get out of the question but his mind just kept throwing up blanks, he even corrected a jounalists guess to the earlier round 10! :laughing: In fairness though, I think he was saying he wouldn't be availible till then rather then he'd definately be in the team that round. Wouldn't be surprised if Hunt was just around the playing group in general for his influence on the extended squad rather then getting named to play everyweek a bit like Benji was when he was here
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
So its better if they weren't good at another code?
Opposed Session
Roar Rookie
If Hunt doesn’t work, maybe Alf and the King could suit back up!
Dutski
Roar Guru
You mean the SBW that hadn’t played league in years, the Jennings that was languishing in reserves at Penrith and the Maloney that had produced one good season for the warriors and was still essentially unproven. Yeah I’m winding you up but maybe I shouldn’t... anyone who seriously believes the chooks were 4.5 mil over the cap needs to be treated with kindness and support because they’ve got lots and lots of issues.
Paul
Roar Guru
his move would make sense IF there was a backup coming through that K Hunt and/or other Broncos could mentor. I'm also wondering how much pressure this will place on Croft or Dearden to help this guy with his game? It's fine to say he's played in the halves in Rugby, but the halves role in League is significantly different ( for a start, it's a helluva lot faster). If one of these guys was playing well, then yes, they could help him but both are not at their best, so I think they'd struggle to help him on the field while trying to play their game. Might be Alfie's role - on field halves coach for K Hunt.
Spartacus
Roar Rookie
Too late Nat. I've already addressed that in the last paragraph in the above comment. I knew you would be keen to jump on that potential inconsistency. Blame it on parallax error. The difference between your perspective and mine. :silly:
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Incorrect. Hunt was a quality rugby player. Injury was the main reason he didn’t earn more caps.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Yes Waratahs played that poorly. One of may poor decisions, so to be fair they’ve been consistently poor in decision making, probably the best in Australia.
Nat
Roar Guru
We're not discussing Hess either. :laughing:
Nat
Roar Guru
Ol Kevvie, he is no ood at this ducks and drakes. Whne this broke yesterday the club was out denying it. In the space of a few hoyrs it went from: No no no, I don't want to talk about it, what did I say back then? Can't I change my mind? He'll be ready to go in Rnd 10... He never developed the ol' coach's ability tell bold faced porkies to the press. I don't mind the idea, it is just train and trial but surely he can show something to this young group. I know about in the halves though and I wouldn't have him over Staggs or Herbie so maybe the utility, ball playing lock role?
Tony
Roar Guru
Sami won't be happy that you've forgotten about him already
Nat
Roar Guru
I don't know if he could wrestle a spot from the Lee boys and Hymel Hunt. They are the series champions and incumbents after all. He was last playing for the Tahs, is that enough to Keary him over to the Blues? He does play FB... :stoked: