Quade Cooper says Karmichael Hunt is already showing positive signs in code-switch

REDS recruit Karmichael Hunt is settling into life as a rugby player with ease and is already barking orders at training, Quade Cooper says.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 18: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Karmichael Hunt looks on during a Queensland Reds training session at Ballymore Stadium on September 18, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

REDS recruit Karmichael Hunt is settling into life as a rugby player with ease and is already barking orders at training, Queensland playmaker Quade Cooper says.

Hunt is one of three major additions to the Reds squad for 2015 with the code-hopper to be joined in Brisbane by wayward former Wallaby James O’Connor and schoolboy prodigy Taniela “Tongan Thor” Tupou.

O’Connor won’t join the Reds until January while Tupou is likely to be eased into full training after he completes his schooling in New Zealand.

But it’s a different story for Hunt who has been thrust into training ahead of his Super Rugby debut next year.

“He’s been practising, he’s spent the last two weeks practising passing,” Cooper told Rugby HQ of his new teammate.

“His football instincts started to kick in after just a few training sessions, and you could hear him chatting.

“He wants the ball in his hands, he’ll be saying to you ‘pick out that runner there’s a slow guy here’.

“He did lose a lot of weight but I think it’s come back pretty quickly, in a good way. He’s got some good genetics there so I don’t think he’s going to be too lean coming into the season.”

Hunt could line up at either outside centre or fullback and should provide the Reds with a powerful ball-running option, something they missed in a disappointing 2014 season.

The 28-year-old Queenslander could combine with O’Connor, who has been turning heads in France, in what would be a potent back three.

“I think he’s going to be a great addition wherever (he plays),” Cooper said of O’Connor. “I think wing is going to be his best position, he’s been having a great start to the season over in France.

“I watched a game the other night and he was in scintillating form. He scored a few tries and kicked a few goals.

“But he’s a fantastic player and we’re all looking forward (to his arrival).”

The signings of Hunt and O’Connor were the worst-kept secret in Australian rugby with the duo eventually unveiled at the Reds’ end-of-season dinner in August.

O’Connor scored a double in Toulon’s win over Montpellier last weekend.

The pursuit of Hunt was supported from the get-go but O’Connor’s recruitment was questioned in some circles with a few Reds players also unsure whether it would be in the club’s best interests.

But Cooper said any remaining doubt over O’Connor’s acquisition had now subsided and the entire Reds squad were looking forward to his arrival early next year.

“Once the organisation has made that decision the only thing you can do is get on board and make the most of it,” Cooper said.

“If the boys are pushing against it it’s going to be no good for anybody and if we can have a guy of his (O’Connor) calibre come into the club then we have to make a good decision by us buying into that, by us welcoming him.

“And like we always say, I’ve had a few second chances and everybody’s entitled to that. So I hope that he comes back and plays some good football and is a great addition for the Queensland Reds.”

Originally published as Quade Cooper says Karmichael Hunt is already showing positive signs in code-switch