Karmichael Hunt will be embraced on his return from drugs ban, says skipper
REDS skipper James Slipper says Karmichael Hunt’s six-week ban is appropriate and he would be welcomed back to the team after serving his suspension.
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QUEENSLAND Reds skipper James Slipper said rugby has got it right with a six-week cocaine ban for Karmichael Hunt and he would be welcomed back to the team after serving his suspension.
Fullback Hunt will train away from the Reds squad until just over a week before his comeback match against the Melbourne Rebels in Melbourne on April 3.
“He obviously made some poor choices and to his credit he put his hand up and copped everything,” Slipper said as the first reaction from any of Hunt’s teammates.
Hunt copped a $30,000 fine from rugby’s ruling bodies as well as a five-game ban after pleading guilty yesterday to four counts of cocaine possession in Southport Magistrates Court where he received a $2500 fine.
“The case has been dealt with in court and he has been given his punishment,” Slipper said.
“For Karmichael, he’s just happy he can kind of push on and deal with the process.
“We’ve always supported Karmichael and always wanted to make sure his welfare was looked after.
“Now, we just want to see him back fit and healthy and with his mind on the game.”
Slipper has lost his vice-captain because Hunt’s official leadership role was stripped by the Queensland Rugby Union when they announced the shamed player’s punishments.
Slipper said it would not have an impact on the team’s performance.
“With the Reds there are a lot of experienced players to turn to and guys I can use as further leadership help,” Slipper said.
“It’s not ideal losing Karmicchael as vice-captain but these things have to be done.”
Slipper said he was at ease with the QRU and Australian Rugby Union penalties imposed on Hunt and felt the code’s illicit drugs policy was tackling the issue.
“I am comfortable. He’s been given his sentence, he misses six weeks and we feel that’s right,” Slipper said.
“I believe the illicit drugs policy is already being overviewed. Players are tested up to 15 times a year which I find quite a lot.
“The ARU is doing its best to educate young players and the senior players have a significant role to push that education to the younger guys as well.”
Originally published as Karmichael Hunt will be embraced on his return from drugs ban, says skipper
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