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EspañolKARMICHAEL HUNT
'Karmichael Hunt' (born November 17 1986 in Auckland, New Zealand) is a professional rugby league footballer for the Brisbane Broncos in the Australian National Rugby League competition. He mainly plays in the fullback position, and occasionally on the wing and at halfback. Hunt has played 82 first-grade games for the Broncos between 2004 and 2007, and was part of the Broncos' premiership winning team in 2006. He has represented the Queensland Maroons in the interstate State of Origin series and has represented the Australian Kangaroos at international level.
Hunt made his NRL debut in 2004 and went on to play every game that season. His playing form was good enough to have him named the Dally M rookie of the year for 2004. In a controversial move, Hunt chose to play for Australia instead of New Zealand, his country of birth, because he had always dreamed of playing for Queensland in State of Origin.[1] After a disappointing downturn in 2005, Hunt made a strong showing in 2006, and that year he earned representative honours for Australia and Queensland.
Early life
Hunt was born on November 17 1986 in Auckland, New Zealand, to Hans and Tera Hunt, originally from the Cook Islands and Samoa respectively. He began playing rugby league at the age of four and when he was eleven, the family moved to the suburb of Algester in Brisbane, Australia.[2][3] Hunt's childhood hero was Michael Jordan and he dreamt of playing basketball in the United States and after moving to Brisbane, Hunt played junior rugby league for the South's club in Acacia Ridge.[4]
In 2000, Hunt made his representative debut with the Under 14 South-East team of the Queensland Rugby League (QRL), in the fullback position. In 2001, he became part of the Under 15 Australian merit side and Brisbane Broncos scout Cyril Connell saw Hunt play rugby league and offered him a scholarship with the club.[5][6][7] His manager asked the 15-year-old what he wanted to do with his future. Hunt responded that he wanted to play first grade, the highest level of rugby league, in his first season.[8] Hunt accepted the Broncos' scholarship and after playing well at South's Acacia Ridge and Sunnybank High School received a scholarship to the Anglican Church Grammar School (ACGS).[9][10][11]
At ACGS, Hunt played rugby union and was a dominant figure on the schools team, which played in the Queensland Great Public Schools competition.[12][13] As a fullback he led his team to an undefeated premiership in 2003, and he was one of the best players in the competition.[14] While playing rugby union at ACGS, Hunt played for the Queensland Schoolboys rugby union against New South Wales. He played in the Under 17 Queensland team in the position of lock and along with Anton LaVin, won the Bob Templeton Trophy as Queensland's leading schoolboy players that year.[15]
| 2003 - Hunt's Australian Schoolboys record | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | Tries | Goals | F/G | Points | |
| 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 14 | |
In 2003 Hunt was selected for the Australian Schoolboy rugby league representative team, which toured New Zealand. He played three games in all for the Australian Schoolboys team under the direction of coach Rod Patison.[16] One of the best players on the team, Hunt scored a try in each of the three games and was named best back of the series.[17] Australian Schoolboys' coaching staff predicted that Hunt was the most likely Australian schoolboy to make a debut in the NRL.
In mid 2003, Craig Young, a recruitment officer for St. George Illawarra Dragons, saw Hunt play in a schoolboy competition. Young then told St. George Illawarra coach, Nathan Brown, that they should sign him at any costs. Young offered Hunt $80,000 to play for the Wollongong based St. George Illawarra. However, Brown hesitated to sign Hunt, feeling that they could not find a place for him on the team. Young still wanted Hunt to be on the St. George Illawarra team, but the young fullback instead joined the Brisbane Broncos.[18]
Brisbane Broncos
Debut season
Hunt plays his rugby league for the Brisbane Broncos.
Hunt joined the Brisbane Broncos club at the end of the 2003 season bringing his scholarship, earned in 2001, to fruition. He participated in the team's off-season training in early 2004, and under the guidance of Broncos' coach Wayne Bennett, Hunt developed further as a player. Hunt expected himself to play most of the 2004 season in the Queensland Cup, the second-tier rugby league competition in Queensland.[19] Hunt was selected to participate in the Broncos' pre-season trial games in February. He played both trial games on the wing and scored a try in the first game against the Melbourne Storm.[20] Hunt made his National Rugby League (NRL) debut at the age of seventeen in the first round of the 2004 season with the Brisbane Broncos.[21] He was originally picked on the replacement bench for the opener, but Bennett instead placed him as the starting fullback, leaving the named starter Motu Tony on the bench.[22]
| Karmichael has an attitude just like Darren Lockyer where he can make a mistake and kiss it off and just get on with the game, It's a wonderful quality to have and you'd like every player to have it. A lot of guys dwell on mistakes and it stays with them too long. |
| — 'Wayne Bennett on Karmichael Hunt.' |
The performance of the 2004 NRL rookies, including Hunt, was much anticipated. After a few games, his peers and the media singled Hunt out as the next superstar of the game.[26][27][28] To relieve him of the pressure, Bennett placed a season-long media ban on Hunt.[29] Hunt scored four tries in the Round 17 clash with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, equalling the team record.[30]
Throughout the entire year after playing 26 games, he missed only four minutes of play for the Broncos.[31] His excellent playing form earned him the Brisbane Broncos and Dally M. rookie of the year awards.[32][33]
2005
At the end of 2004 Hunt signed with the Broncos for an additional two years, with the intention to stay at the Broncos for the rest of his career.[34] Coach Wayne Bennett advised Hunt to have fun and enjoy himself like any other teenager, so that it would not affect his second year in first-grade rugby league. Hunt told to go act his age Greg David But Hunt did not perform as well in his second season as his debut year,[35] which the media labelled as "Karmichael's second-year syndrome".[36] Hunt scored less tries and had less kick returns, but was retained at his preferred fullback position for the entire year.[37][38]
In a round 6 game against the St George Illawarra Dragons, Hunt was knocked unconscious by a Shaun Timmins high tackle. As a result Hunt missed his first NRL game since his 2004 debut the following week. Hunt had headaches and nausea, suffering concussion before returning two weeks after the incident.[39] Timmins was charged with a grade two careless high tackle, and pleaded guilty and did not miss any matches.[40] Hunt only missed that game and retained his position of fullback for the entire year. Hunt was a part of the junior Australian representative team at the end of the 2005 season, but was not considered for the game against Papua New Guinea for personal reasons.[41][42]
Premier season
Hunt lining up with the Australian team on November 4 as part of the 2006 Tri-Nations.
Prior to the 2006 National Rugby League season Wayne Bennett, backed by former Broncos halfback Allan Langer, groomed Hunt to be a key play-maker in the halves with the intention of taking pressure off Darren Lockyer and then-halfback Brett Seymour.[43][44] In a trial match against the North Queensland Cowboys, Hunt performed well as halfback; however, he wanted to return to fullback and did so for the NRL opener.[45][46]
Hunt sustained a foot injury in the Broncos Round 15 match and was sidelined for eight weeks.[47] During his injury, early in the morning on July 30, 2006 Hunt was at the scene of a fight outside a Brisbane night club in Brisbane's CBD. The media, notably Channel 7 and Channel 10, alleged Hunt was the instigator of the incident, claiming Hunt squirted water on a woman. The Broncos denied Hunt had any involvement in the incident, though a woman gave his name to police. The Brisbane council owned the CCTV footage of the incident, but when the media tried to get the tape, they were denied, leading to speculation that Hunt had something to do with the fight. However, Hunt denied having anything to do with the incident, insisting he was merely a bystander.[48]
| I look around and see guys like Webbie and Locky who have been here for their entire careers, and it's something I would like to do. If I can, I want to be a one-club player too. Playing footy is not just about 80 minutes out on the field every week. For me it is a career and I want to be happy where I am, satisfied that my game is progressing and that I am learning all the time to be a better player. |
| — 'Karmichael Hunt on his future at the Broncos'[49] |
During Hunt's injury, Bennett moved Broncos team mate Justin Hodges to fullback and Hodges was impressive in the position.[54] When Hunt returned to the Broncos side in round 25 against the Parramatta Eels, he was forced to play on the wing due to Hodges' good form.[55] Hunt and Hodges continued to switch the fullback position for the remainder of the season. Bennett was able to switch the players because both were in good form. Hunt missed the first week of the finals due to a hamstring problem but returned a week later.[56] The Broncos managed to make the grand final against the Melbourne Storm and won 15-8 with Hunt playing on the wing and Hodges at fullback.[57][58]
2007 and beyond
Bennett pulled his first selection surprise of 2007, experimenting with Hunt at halfback for the opening game of the season.[59] At the time Bennett maintained that this would be a long term switch but due to the Broncos' poor form, Bennett returned Hunt to fullback for Round 3.[60][61] In Round 11, the Broncos had their biggest victory yet, winning 71-6 over Newcastle. In that game Hunt set up 3 tries and scored one himself.[62] The Brisbane newspaper ''The Sunday Mail'' described Hunt as not performing consistently throughout the 2007 season for the Broncos. However Hunt played an exceptionally good game in Round 15 against the West Tigers, scoring three tries, assisting in a try and gaining 281 metres in the Broncos win.[63]
| There is nothing to say Darren will not play on but if he retires then Karmichael could be the logical choice ... Karmichael would only be 23 or 24 when he became captain but that is not too young. Given he has already played three seasons in the NRL and represented Queensland and Australia, he certainly will have the experience. |
| — 'Bruno Cullen on the possibility of Hunt becoming the next Broncos captain' |
After Round 18 of the competition, on during a training session on July 20 2007, he injured his hamstring and was originally ruled out for six weeks.[67] However, Hunt didn't take the expected six weeks to recover,[68] instead being ruled out for the rest of the season, which was five extra weeks than first expected.[69]
Representative career
Allegiance
In his debut season in 2004, Hunt was approached to play at the international level for New Zealand in the ANZAC Test match.[70] Although he was born in New Zealand, he had played all of his rugby league in Queensland, and he was therefore eligible to play for both countries. Hunt pledged his allegiance to Queensland and therefore Australia and was not selected for either country.[71] Hunt became a possibility for the Australian squad for the 2004 Tri-Nations, but Bennett, who was the coach of Australia, decided not to select him due to his inexperience.[72][73]
In 2006, media speculation suggested that Hunt intended to change his allegiance and play for the New Zealand team, but Hunt put the speculation to rest when he confirmed he would play for Australia.
2004 State of Origin series amongst other fullbacks but Hunt was ignored for the entire series and Penrith Panthers fullback Rhys Wesser played instead.[74][75]
Australian and Queensland debut
Hunt is an international representative for Australia
Hunt is a state representative for Queensland
2006 Tri-Nations
Hunt was one of eight Broncos players selected for the Australian team for the end of year Tri-Nations series.[85] With the absence of injured rival Anthony Minichiello, Hunt retained his fullback position for the first Tri-Nations match.,[86][87] Hunt played exceptionally well, scoring two tries in a man of the match performance.[88] Hunt played in the remainder of the Tri-Nations series,[89] which Australia won and in which Hunt scored a total of three tries. The Tri-Nations win capped off a good year for Hunt, who made his debut for Australia and Queensland before being a part of the Premiership winning Broncos team.
2007 representative season
Hunt retained his fullback position for Australia in the 2007 ANZAC Test.[90] Hunt ran the ball the most times with 18 times and scored one try in a man-of-the-match performance as Australia won 30-6.[91][92]
Hunt was named fullback for all three games of the 2007 State of Origin series despite the club form of rival fullbacks Billy Slater and Matt Bowen.[93][94][95] In the second game, Hunt played a full match despite aggravating his foot injury as Queensland sealed the series after winning the first two games.[96] Hunt played in the third Origin game despite suffering a calf injury during training.[97]
Hunt was unable to be selected in the end of year test for Australia against New Zealand due to a hamstring injury sustained earlier in the season.
Career statistics
::''(correct to July 13 2007)''
| Hunt's Brisbane Broncos first grade record | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Era | Games | Tries | Goals | F/G | Points | |
| 2004-present | 82 | 38 | 0 | 0 | 152 | |
| Hunt's Queensland Maroons record | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Era | Games | Tries | Goals | F/G | Points | |
| 2006-present | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Hunt's Australian Kangaroos record | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Era | Games | Tries | Goals | F/G | Points | |
| 2006-present | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 16 | |
Honours
| Debut | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Grade Debut - March 14 2004 | ||
| Australian Test Debut - May 5 2006 | ||
| Queensland State of Origin Debut - June 14 2006 | ||
| Awards | ||
| 17 years, 118 days | ||
| with Steve Renouf, Wendell Sailor, Justin Hodges |
References
1. Hunt set to fulfil Origin dream
2. Meet the parents Ben Blaschke
3. Broncos unearth a treasure Hunt Robert Rachow
4. Brisbane Broncos - Players - Karmichael Hunt
5. What becomes of Merit players
6. A.S.S.R.L 15 Years Merit Side 2001
7. Broncos scout honoured by Brisbane
8. Hunting for next big thing? Try NZ Brad Walter
9. Hunt keen to repay Brisbane's faith James Hooper
10. Broncos: 20 Fabulous Years, , , Pramberg, Bernie and Malone, Paul and Colman, Mike and Dick, Barry, ''Playright Publishing Pty Ltd'', 2007,
11. Be like Karmichael Mike Coleman
12. SportingPulse Homepage for Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League
13. Schoolboy talent bolsters Reds' stocks Jim Tucker
14. Pair share GPS title Nick Brown
15. LaVin sees code switch as big move Andrew Webster
16. 2003 - New Zealand
17. Record for young Bronco - Hunt to make debut at 17 Steve Ricketts
18. Rookie may be a remarkable talent, but Bennett warns he's . . . Not in Hunt yet for Origin Greg Davis
19. Hunt out of Origin calculations Dan Koch
20. Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm (2004 Trial Match)
21. Hunt set to become youngest Bronco
22. Brisbane name new look side
23. Rugby League Tables / Brisbane Scorers / 2004
24. Stop the head Hunt
25. Mum fears for teen star Hunt's future Michael Crutcher
26. New faces sure to be a hit with the fans - NRL 2004: 1 DAY TO GO Dean Ritchie
27. League's teen freak living in dream world
28. He's going to be an absolute super-star - In an interview, Tallis anoints Hunt the next Broncos big gun Greg David
29. Hunt coming of age
30. Hunt matches Broncos try record
31. Karmichael Hunt - 2004 Breakdown
32. Buderus named Dally M Player of the Year
33. Big Petero takes out award as top Bronco Steve Ricketts
34. Broncos re-sign Lockyer, Hunt
35. Bennett says Hunt 'off the boil'
36. Don't think, kid Bennett tells hot Hunt to run with his instincts Trad McLean
37. Karmichael Hunt at NRL Stats
38. Karmichael Hunt at Rleague
39. Broncos welcome back key trio
40. Timmins free to play, Woolford out
41. Inglis added to Junior Kangaroos squad
42. Junior wingers to play PNG Scott Dickson
43. Hunting for bigger ball-playing role Greg David
44. BRONCOS - Langer backs halfback Hunt
45. Hunt stars at half But it won't be permanent, says Bennett Trad McLean
46. Hunt excited about returning to fullback against Cowboys Mick Daly
47. Hunt sidelined for eight weeks
48. Broncos defend Hunt
49. Karmichael Hunt re-signs
50. Broncos no to Hunt bidding war Mick Daly
51. Karmichael could move in hunt for money Trad McLean
52. Hunt in three-year NRL deal with Broncos
53. Broncos hang on to Hunt
54. Hodges has turned it around James Hopper
55. Broncos keep Hodges at full-back
56. Finals hoodoo hits again Anthony Dawson
57. Brisbane wins NRL grand final 15-8
58. Grand Final Team Lists
59. Give Hunt time, says Lockyer Wayne Heming
60. Hunt to start at half-back
61. Lockyer given some reason to smile
62. Round 11 - Brisbane vs Newcastle
63. Round 15 - Brisbane v Wests Tigers
64. Karmichael Hunt re-signs
65. Hunt to be next captain Steve Ricketts
66. Lockyer:Hunt next Broncos captain Darren Lockyer
67. Injured Hunt facing lengthy sideline stint
68. Hunt season in the balance
69. Hunt to miss finals
70. NZRL approaches Karmichael Hunt
71. No regrets from Hunt over Kiwi Test knock-back
72. The sky's the limit for Karmichael Hunt
73. The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players: Every Brisbane Player Ever, , Alan, Whitaker, ''Bas Publishing'', 2005,
74. State of Origin squads to be announced today
75. Lockyer, Prince, Bowman named by Maroons
76. Cowboys stunned by Bowen's Test omission
77. Australia's Anzac Test League Team Named
78. Hunt to make Test debut
79. Live NRL Player Stats: Round 1 Australia 50 v New Zealand 12
80. Hunt dazed and confused
81. Meninga backs Maroons' youth plan
82. Hunt to make State of Origin Debut Matthew O'Neill
83. Live NRL Player Stats: Round 2 Queensland 30 v New South Wales 6
84. Maroons name injured Hodges
85. Broncos eight selected Mick Daly
86. Hunt to stay at fullback
87. Kiwis vs Kangaroos Team Lists
88. Aussies hunt down Kiwis Adrian Proszenko
89. Rleague.com 2006 Tri-Nations (Australian Kangaroos)
90. Hunt, Smith retain Test jerseys
91. Kangaroos thrash New Zealand in Bundy Test
92. Round 1 - Australia vs New Zealand
93. Maroons set to overlook Bowen
94. Loyalty the key for the Maroons
95. Punt Hunt, says Jack Peter Badel
96. Hunt, Tate Broncos doubts
97. Hunt injury causes scare Matt Marshall
External links
★
★
★ Player Profile at nrl.com
★ Player Profile at nrlstats.com
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