Will he or won’t he? Karmichael Hunt’s Suns dilemma

This week’s Blast From The Past column looks back at July 28, 2011 when Karmichael Hunt was discussing his footballing future.

THIS week’s Blast From The Past column looks back at July 28, 2011 when Karmichael Hunt was discussing his footballing future.

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GOLD Coast coach Guy McKenna has reservations about code-hopper Karmichael Hunt re-signing with the Suns when his multi-million dollar AFL contract expires at the end of 2012.

Hunt declared in a newspaper column that he has no intention of leaving the Suns when his contract runs out, although he’s far from negotiating a new deal either.

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Karmichael Hunt for the Suns. Pic Jono Searle

The Suns defender said he was prompted to make public his thoughts after recent speculation that he may be lured to return to the NRL for 2013 by a consortium bidding for the second Brisbane licence.

“To be honest, at this point I have no thoughts about being anywhere but at the Suns past 2012,’’ Hunt wrote.

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“I can’t see myself returning to rugby league right now because the challenge of trying to become a quality AFL player is proving incredibly enjoyable for me.’’

Yet McKenna was not completely sold on it. He said the Broncos would not have thought Hunt would cross codes in 2009 when he committed to joining the Suns and he was not banking entirely on Hunt staying.

Karmichael Hunt for the Suns. Pic Jono Searle

“We’d hope so too (he stays), that’s great news and it says a lot about K (Hunt) himself,’’ McKenna said.

“But understand we know things can change, as the Broncos and NRL found out things can change.’’

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McKenna was unclear about whether Hunt would be recalled for Saturday night’s clash with St Kilda at Metricon Stadium or given his second full weekend off in the past three weeks because the reserves have a bye.

Just two weeks ago when the Suns senior and reserve sides travelled to Cairns, Hunt stayed at home.

“We’re just mindful of this season’s load and the last two (seasons),’’ McKenna said.

“He certainly moved well in the seconds on the weekend and his name is up on the board that’s for sure.’’