Karmichael Hunt’s body shape better suited for rugby, more so than rugby league

KARMICHAEL Hunt has become too small to play rugby league. That is the opinion of former Wallabies hooker and Queensland Reds coach Mark McBain.

Gold Coast Suns training, Karmichael Hunt. Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS

KARMICHAEL Hunt has become too small to play rugby league.

That is the opinion of former Wallabies hooker and Queensland Reds coach Mark McBain, who watched Hunt tear up the GPS union competition as a 17-year-old in 2003.

The Reds tried to recruit Hunt that year, McBain’s last at the Reds, when Hunt was a star fullback for Anglican Church Grammar.

Now they could finally land their man, a decade after their first attempt was knocked back because Hunt was obsessed with playing for the Broncos.

McBain said if Hunt wanted to reclaim his star status he had to “follow Folau” and resume his career in rugby union, where his slim-line body could flourish.

Hunt wants to stay in south east Queensland, meaning his options next season are the Reds, Broncos or Gold Coast Titans.

The Reds dream of a playing list featuring James O’Connor and Hunt in their back three. They are negotiating with both and O’Connor’s signing is expected to be announced next month.

McBain has fond memories of Hunt shining for Churchie and said the weight he lost during four years of AFL with the Gold Coast Suns meant he was now better suited to union where he would be tackled far less.

Hunt is playing at about 87kg mark, which is well below the 95kg he weighed in his final league season.

“I understand he has lost a fair bit of weight and in league, with their constant confrontation, he could find it tough going,” McBain said.

James O'Connor’s signature could be announced as early as next month.

“The repetitive confrontations aren’t there at fullback in union.

“In rugby you can pick your moments to attack and you are not being tackled nearly as much and having to run through people.

“I think he would be underdone for league and may struggle at the start.

“Everyone is getting bigger and bigger. Hunt needs time to put weight back on.

“He should follow Folau (who) made a smart choice coming to rugby after losing weight.

“You see how smart he plays, going around people and not trying to run over them.’’

Hunt starred in a Churchie First XV that featured future Wallabies David Pocock and Quade Cooper.

“We expressed an interest in him at the time,” former Reds chief executive Jeff Miller said.

“We spoke to his agent and it became pretty obvious he wanted to play for the Broncos.

“We wished we had got him though. He would have been fantastic for us.

“I hope the Reds get him now.’’

Hunt’s agent David Riolo said there was no update on where Hunt would play next year and said the 27-year-old would not be rushed into a decision.

The Reds also refuse to play the negotiations out in public.

The Broncos were thought to be favourites for Hunt but have fullback and five-eighth locked away next year with Anthony Milford joining Ben Barba at the club.

It had been reported the Titans were to make a formal offer for Hunt but chief executive Graham Annersley said they were unsure if Hunt even wanted to play league.

Originally published as Karmichael Hunt’s body shape better suited for rugby, more so than rugby league