The three-word promise which sent Tully’s Kimberley Hunt to NRL All Stars debut

Proud Wakaid woman Kimberley Hunt has credited a simple, three-word promise as helping her achieve a long-held dream of representing the Indigenous All Stars. Find out what it was.

All Stars Indigenous Women's side trained at Townsville Sports Precinct to prepare for Friday’s games. Picture: Evan Morgan

Proud Wakaid woman Kimberley Hunt has credited a three-word promise to “never switch off” as helping her achieve a long-held dream of representing the Indigenous All Stars.

The Badu Island-born, Tully-raised flyer was named for her All Stars debut this week, with Hunt to play in the most meaningful game on the NRL’s calendar in Townsville on Friday.

“This is one of my ultimate goals when it comes to rugby league, so to get that call and be told I made the 18, I cried,” Hunt said.

“I was really excited and super grateful for the opportunity to represent my mob and my family.”

It is the first time Hunt has faced NRLW-calibre opposition in the region, with Hunt having played for Parramatta last season in a year which culminated with her selected in the Prime Minister’s XIII.

It was after that game, in which Australia beat Papua New Guinea 56-4, that Hunt found one of her biggest supporters in coach Brad Donald, and a path to the All Stars game was set out.

Kimberley Hunt enjoyed a breakout season for the Eels in her inaugural NRLW campaign. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

“He planted that seed and that kept me motivated,” Hunt said.

“When the season ends, everyone unwinds and relaxes but I was super determined.

“I stayed disciplined the whole time, and when I came into camp, I was ready.

“That’s been my go-to for everything; don’t switch off, so if the time comes, I’m ready.”

It’s how Hunt, who lives in Cairns but drives the four-hour round trip to Tully to train with the Tigers’ A-grade side twice a week, has ensured she entered All Stars camp in top nick.

And it’s almost certainly led to her selection in Jess Skinner’s side for Friday’s clash with the Maori.

“It’s been there in the back of my mind and I’m glad he planted that seed,” Hunt said.

“Jess didn’t know she’d be head coach then, but she said keep going.

“For my actual career, it was my goal.”

Hunt was raised in Gumuy country in Tully, and he family ensured she kept a close connection her culture by coming together often, and through island dancing.

A Tully junior who achieved her dream of playing for the Tigers’ women’s team last year, Hunt also attended elite schools rugby league nursery Kirwan State High School.

Kimberley Hunt in action for Wynnum-Manly Seagulls. Picture: Jim O'Reilly / QRL

She starred for Wynnum-Manly in the BMD Premiership last season, which opened the door to the opportunity with the Eels, for whom she scored five tries in seven games.

While her future lays with the Mackay Cutters in the upcoming BMD Premiership, an opportunity she will use to push for a contract with the Cowboys NRLW side, she looks back at 2023 as a whirlwind which changed her life.

“It went so quick it was like a dream,.” Hunt said.

“One day I was driving home from work and I was told I had a contract from Parra and four hours to sign it, and a few days later I was there.

“I think now of how good an opportunity that was for me and how significant it’s impacted my role with Deadly Choices.

“Going to communities like Yarrabah, Tully and Innisfail, kids see you and they look up to you.

“You think it’s just me, but you forget you’re a role model and you’ve made such an impact.

“Being a role model in those communities is the most rewarding thing to come out of that, to show these kids there’s so much out there waiting for them.”

Tully product Kimberley Hunt trains with the Indigenous All Stars women's team ahead of Friday's game. Picture: NRL Images

Hunt has deepened her connection with culture through her work with Deadly Choices, and has used that position to help her achieve a major personal goal to learn her language again and stay connected through island dancing.

That connection to culture, she said, was something which became difficult when living in major cities, but she is passionate about strengthening that connection as much as she can.

This opportunity, where she will follow fellow Torres Strait Islander and FNQ league star Tahlulah Tillett in playing in the All Stars game, is one for her to fly the flag for what remains a minority in elite sport.

“It’s an honour to represent your culture and where you’re from,” Hunt said.

“Having the backing of Tully community and family and friends from Torres Strait to Townsville.

“To play in Townsville, it’s going to be great, because they’ll all be here, my family. Playing down south, I didn’t have that opportunity, but I’m going to be so proud running out there.

“There’s not that many Torres Strait people in our game, so to be a minority and go out there and represent your people, it’s amazing.

“We have to be strong in our culture and represent our people.”

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Originally published as The three-word promise which sent Tully’s Kimberley Hunt to NRL All Stars debut