Growing calls for Hunt to speak up
KARMICHAEL Hunt can offer you an apology for his late- night arrest and the damage he caused rugby’s image yet he can’t or won’t shout “I didn’t do anything wrong”.
The code will always be in the dark about the cocaine found in the carpark close to where police detained the multi- code footballer in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley last December.
The courts booted out possession charges in February through lack of evidence which is why Hunt playing for the Wallabies again is not the dead issue many might think.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has been in contact for months to monitor his wellbeing and Hunt wants to play for Brisbane City in the National Rugby Championship in September as his route back.
The utility back’s comeback for Souths on Saturday at the Gold Coast proved he has been doing plenty of private fitness work and he had a sharp hand in two tries.
Hunt, 31, is keen for the next chapter to start, which is exactly what he would want.
Not so fast. The rest of us in rugby are at least owed a half- explanation about dragging the game into the gutter. Again.
Question: “Karmichael, one of the issues people have is you not saying ‘ I didn’t do it?’
Hunt: “Yeah, yeah. The side of it … the charges dropped, simple as that.”
Question: “No, it’s not that simple. Do you understand many people want you kicked out of rugby?”
Hunt: “Without a doubt. I said from the first time I was in trouble ( with a 2015 ban for cocaine possession) that everyone is entitled to their opinion.
“I’m not going to be weighed legal were down by it. For me, I want to get out there and do what I can do which is improve as a man, just help my teams improve and play footy.”
Hunt was open about his flaws, seeing a psychologist for his stresstriggered issues and “this constant learning curve through life for me”.
“If there is one thing I know I’m not immune to the pitfalls of what can pop up in life, especially with recurring stress and managing that,” Hunt said.
“I’ve been burnt twice now for my own behaviour. I’m just focused on moving forward.
“Cheik has been really good, checking up on me pretty regularly throughout the year.”
The Queensland Reds have been more remote and coach Brad Thorn’s zero- tolerance on drugtainted players has earned admiration.
“The carrot for me has always been Brissy and the Reds,” said Hunt of the return he craves.
“When everything happened I apologised and what not but it ( a return to the Reds squad) just hasn’t been as smooth as I’d like it which is understandable.
“I’m really grateful to Souths for this chance and hopefully this is the start of progress.”