Karmichael Hunt reveals plans to bulk up to be physically ready for rugby union switch
REDS recruit Karmichael Hunt has revealed he must pack on 4kg of extra muscle to physically be ready for his exciting jump to rugby union.
Rugby
Don't miss out on the headlines from Rugby. Followed categories will be added to My News.
PRIZE Reds recruit Karmichael Hunt has revealed he must pack on 4kg of extra muscle to physically be ready for his exciting jump to rugby union.
Extra weight is no longer the enemy after five seasons in Australian Rules where losing it was paramount for his intense running load.
A rugby-specific gym program will, in part, build power back into his hips for a heavy contact game so he’s sculpting a new body shape that Brisbane Broncos fans will remember.
Bigger protein hits from chicken, fish, meat and dairy will be as important as digesting rugby’s rule book.
Eating more through the festive season sounds like fun.
“Yeah, it does but really I have always found weight gain pretty easy,” Hunt said.
“It has to do with genetics. Us Polynesian people put on muscle mass pretty easily.
“I’m at 90kg now and in the discussions I’ve had with (Reds coach) Richard Graham we’re thinking 93 or 94kg might be the number.
“It comes down to what I feel comfortable and strong at.”
Hunt has mentally switched on to being a rugby rookie in the next month rather than a Gold Coast Suns player in the AFL.
“I don’t feel overawed by the prospect of having to refit myself for another code,” Hunt said.
“Obviously, the history of playing rugby at school at Churchie and that year in France makes me feel a lot more comfortable than I was when I came across to AFL (from rugby league).
“For me moving forward, the opportunity of playing for the Reds and the possibility of representing Australia, all those goals and ambitions are very exciting.”
The three-code talent will bring to Queensland rugby the improved kicking skills, peripheral vision on the field and professionalism he honed in AFL. Fullback looks to be his slot.
The comparisons with fellow code-collector Israel Folau will be ongoing.
What he is not doing is copying Folau’s move to rugby because of his success with the NSW Waratahs and Wallabies.
“No, not at all. The only similarities between Izzy and myself are we have walked a similar path,” Hunt said.
“As far as athletes and people we are pretty different.
“We’ve ended up at the same place a few times but I can’t say the decision making has come from the same head space.
“For me, my body dictated this next step. I always knew rugby would be an option because of my history in the game.
“It feels right and I think the tools I picked up from AFL will hold me in good stead. And I think my body will welcome the change as well.
“In saying that, I have watched Izzy’s success and I have been happy for him. Maybe, it has given me a little bit of confidence.
“But, I won’t be playing the game the same as him. I’ll be a different athlete like I always have been.”
Originally published as Karmichael Hunt reveals plans to bulk up to be physically ready for rugby union switch
‘It will change your life’: Wallaby’s message of hope after ADHD diagnosis
After years of grappling for an extreme and compulsive workload, Wallaby Carlo Tizzano sought help. And he says what happened next changed his life — and rugby career — for the better.
Rugby Sevens golden girl’s quest for LA games as a mum
She won Aussie hearts as a fresh-faced youngster steamrolling opponents on her way to Olympic gold. Now Charlotte Caslick wants to add mum to her list of titles on the way to a fourth Games.