Karmichael Hunt
‘Football chameleon’ and new Reds recruit Karmichael Hunt has his sights firmly set on making the Wallabies World Cup squad.
Having started his career as a Rugby League player with the Brisbane Broncos, Hunt switched to playing Australian Rules in the Australian Football League for the Gold Coast Suns in 2011.
He signed for the Reds in the off-season and is expected to make his Super Rugby debut at fullback in the Round 1 clash with the Brumbies in Canberra.
He has made no secret of his World Cup ambitions, although he knows that he will have to prove himself at Super Rugby level first.
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“I think it’s only being natural, putting in good performances at the Reds, that is going to put me in a good position to play at the World Cup,” Hunt said.
“So my focus is exactly that, playing good football for the Reds and hopefully the rest takes care of itself,” he added.
The multi-code star has bulked up in the off-season, and although he has potential as a playmaker and some rugby union experience at inside centre he is expected to slot into the Reds backline at fullback.
He is looking forward to linking up with the likes of experienced Wallabies Quade Cooper and Will Genia in the Reds backline this season.
“I’m pretty excited from what I’ve seen of the group the last four months,” Hunt said.
“I think we have got a really good squad. The Wallabies boys have obviously only recently started back with us.
“We are starting to gel, starting to get our combinations and we’re looking forward to to the trials to hopefully get our game plan into motion,” he said.
He has made such an impression on the Reds coaching staff that he has already been named as a vice-captain.
“Whilst only new to the game, or returning to the game, he’s demonstrated in his 4 months here his ability as a professional.
“He comes with a huge level of respect but his ability to integrate amongst the playing group and already have an influence has been noticeable,” said Reds coach Richard Graham.
Hunt will make his first appearance for the Reds in their preseason trial against Melbourne Rebels in Cairns on 31 January.