Former Wallaby prop Dan Crowley demands Karmichael Hunt leaves rugby

KARMICHAEL Hunt has become a ball-and-chain for Australian rugby and the code’s most decorated players want him out of the game, according to irate former Wallaby Dan Crowley.

Dan Crowley says Karmichael Hunt should ‘do the right thing’ and quit rugby.

KARMICHAEL Hunt has become a ball-and-chain for Australian rugby and the code’s most decorated players want him out of the game, according to irate former Wallaby Dan Crowley.

The drug-tainted Hunt’s career is in limbo between a code that no longer wants him in Australia and finding a new home to play out his final seasons.

Crowley was appalled at the leniency shown Hunt in 2015 when he pleaded guilty to cocaine possession charges and copped a mere five-game ban and fine.

“Even though I didn’t agree, rugby did the right thing by him with a second chance in 2015 and now it’s Karmichael Hunt’s turn to do the right thing,” Crowley said.

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“It’s time to go and I would have spoken to more than 20 past Queensland and Australian players who all agree with that view.”

Crowley’s credentials to go hard at Hunt stand up to all scrutiny because he worked undercover as a policeman in Brisbane’s drug trade in the 1980s.

Dan Crowley says Karmichael Hunt should ‘do the right thing’ and quit rugby.

Technically, fullback Hunt is clear to resume playing having served a four-game ban, applied retrospectively, for the reputational damage to the code since his arrest late last year.

Lack of evidence meant fresh cocaine charges were dropped last month and he only received a fine for possession of the prescription drug Zanax.

“Rugby Australia’s hands are tied without the grounds to cancel his contract but I’m prepared to say ‘get rid of him’ which is what everyone is thinking,” Crowley said.

“I don’t want this culture in rugby, parents of kids don’t want it.

“You’ve got Brad Thorn doing a very good job at the Reds with a new culture as coach and you can’t have a ball-and-chain like Karmichael.”

Hunt has played rugby overseas before with Biarritz and brokering another opening in French rugby would fit the next phase for the six-Test Wallaby.

The Reds will enjoy a bye week when they fly home but only after ripping in to the tough clash against the Stormers in Cape Town early on Sunday morning (Qld time).

Hunt’s club Norths also have an Easter weekend bye but the issue of his future can’t fester and a clear call is needed.

James Slipper will captain the side against the Stormers with Thorn electing to bring Scott Higginbotham back via the bench now his three-week ban has been served.

It’s fitting that Slipper will be leading from the front in his 100th game.

Karmichael Hunt outside court in Brisbane this week. He had a drug charge against him dropped.

“He has been at Ballymore for more than a decade and the opportunity to play 100 games for your home state is special and an occasion not lost on anyone,” Thorn said.

Experienced Ben Lucas has been brought in at halfback for James Tuttle, Duncan Paia’aua is back in the centres and Alex Mafi has been rotated into hooker.

Finisher Eto Nabuli’s moderate form has cost him his spot because he has been bumped to the bench in the shuffle of Chris Feauai-Sautia back to the wing.

A fast start will be needed by the Reds because holding off a faster-finishing Stormers team shapes as the theme of the match.

Originally published as Former Wallaby prop Dan Crowley demands Karmichael Hunt leaves rugby