Ngani Laumape turns back on million dollar pay rise leaving him in Hunt’s sights
Much has been made about Karmichael Hunt’s rugby lifeline at the Waratahs, but the man he marks on Saturday has his own motivation to succeed.
Much has been made about Karmichael Hunt’s rugby lifeline at the Waratahs, but the man he marks in round one has his own motivation after giving up a near $2 million pay rise.
Ngani Laumape left officials at a Japanese Top League club stunned when he rejected their $1.5 million a year offer to remain in New Zealand for a fraction of that salary over the next two years.
Laumape, who is pushing Sonny Bill Williams to be the All Blacks No. 12 at the World Cup this year, would have become one of the top five highest paid rugby players in the world by taking up the Japanese offer.
However, he re-signed with New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes through to the end of 2021 on a deal understood to be worth around $500,000 a year.
“It was a decision that I feel really happy with and it also gives me and my family security to know where we will be to at least the end of 2021,” Laumape said.
The barnstorming centre is one of four former NRL players starting in the clash in league’s heartland of Brookvale Oval on Saturday night.
Hunt will directly oppose the former New Zealand Warrior, while Israel Folau and Curtis Rona will lurk wide for NSW.
While Hunt has been given starting duties with Kurtley Beale rested, it would not surprise if NSW coach Daryl Gibson deliberately left Beale out given his defensive wobbles, opting for the tough tackling 31-year-old.
Are Hunt’s shoulders ready for the 103kg Laumape’s charges?
“They’re as ready as they’ll ever be,” said Hunt, a three-code veteran. “What’s this? Year 15 [of my professional career]. I am looking forward to the challenge.
“The ‘Canes are a physical team who like to play direct, through the seams between 10 and 12 are going to get a workout [Saturday] night.
“We have been well prepped. It has been a continuous focus for us, shoring up the defensive lines. And we will get the taste of first contact [Saturday] night to see where we are at.”
Hunt’s well documented rollercoaster ride to the Tahs pits him in a centre partnership with fellow veteran Adam Ashley-Cooper, with who he has only played 10 minutes with in last weekend’s trial match.
“I think there’s an instant bond, because of that experience,” Hunt said.
“There’s no second guessing what Swoop’s tendencies are going to be in terms of defence. I know he’s going to be able to read my decisions, if I’m inside him. If I’m going in, he’s following me in.
“Those are the second nature decisions you develop over time as an athlete and it only comes with experience. Swoop’s got that, I’ve got that.
“We’re great communicators, he’s one of the best I’ve seen, he’s really knowledgeable with his experience in the game, understanding where you need to be and helping out his back three, but also giving me voice as well.
“But the instant bond comes through communication and experience and he’s got that in bucket loads.”
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