Queenslander
19-04-06, 07:15 AM
Loyal Hunt earns endorsement
By Brent Read and Margie McDonald
April 19, 2006
KARMICHAEL Hunt's decision to spurn another approach from New Zealand may provide the ultimate pay-off, with the Brisbane fullback moving into contention for the Queensland bench for the opening State of Origin game next month.
Maroons coach Mal Meninga yesterday revealed he had been impressed with Hunt's recent form, just a month out from Origin I at on May 24.
Meninga's endorsement also goes some way towards validating Hunt's decision to reject the Kiwis earlier this month - the third time he has done so.
"He's going good," Meninga said. "I like his ability around the middle of the park. He can play seven or in the back row.
"He's got good versatility (which is important) when it comes to picking people for the bench."
Hunt played halfback for the Broncos in the pre-season before settling back into the custodian's role. In recent weeks, however, he has assumed more responsibility, alleviating playmaking pressure from captain Darren Lockyer.
With North Queensland's Matthew Bowen certain to be selected at fullback for the Maroons, Hunt's versatility makes him an ideal prospect for the bench.
Meninga also endorsed another young player in contention for Origin I yesterday, Melbourne's 19-year-old centre Greg Inglis.
However, he said he would speak to Storm coach Craig Bellamy, who believes the teenager is too young for Origin football.
"It would be prudent and wise of us to have a chat to Craig about what he thinks Greg is capable of," Meninga said.
"The analogy I come to is Freddie (Brad) Fittler, Laurie Daley and Allan Langer, they played Origin at 18, 19, 20 years of age.
Parramatta's Jeremy Smith edged closer to a Test debut for New Zealand when he was named in first grade for Friday night's game against Wests Tigers.
Smith was earmarked by Kiwis coach Brian McClennan in The Australian this month as a potential half for the Anzac Test at Suncorp Stadium.
And Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes has indicated he would like to speak to McClennan about Sonny Bill Williams.
In team news, Andrew Johns was not named to play against Melbourne at Olympic Park on Saturday night, Jarrod Mullen was selected at halfback and Danny Buderus named captain.
Wests Tigers fullback and skipper Brett Hodgson had surgery on a broken left hand yesterday with Tim Sheens naming backrower Ben Galea and halfback Scott Prince as joint captains.
The Australian
By Brent Read and Margie McDonald
April 19, 2006
KARMICHAEL Hunt's decision to spurn another approach from New Zealand may provide the ultimate pay-off, with the Brisbane fullback moving into contention for the Queensland bench for the opening State of Origin game next month.
Maroons coach Mal Meninga yesterday revealed he had been impressed with Hunt's recent form, just a month out from Origin I at on May 24.
Meninga's endorsement also goes some way towards validating Hunt's decision to reject the Kiwis earlier this month - the third time he has done so.
"He's going good," Meninga said. "I like his ability around the middle of the park. He can play seven or in the back row.
"He's got good versatility (which is important) when it comes to picking people for the bench."
Hunt played halfback for the Broncos in the pre-season before settling back into the custodian's role. In recent weeks, however, he has assumed more responsibility, alleviating playmaking pressure from captain Darren Lockyer.
With North Queensland's Matthew Bowen certain to be selected at fullback for the Maroons, Hunt's versatility makes him an ideal prospect for the bench.
Meninga also endorsed another young player in contention for Origin I yesterday, Melbourne's 19-year-old centre Greg Inglis.
However, he said he would speak to Storm coach Craig Bellamy, who believes the teenager is too young for Origin football.
"It would be prudent and wise of us to have a chat to Craig about what he thinks Greg is capable of," Meninga said.
"The analogy I come to is Freddie (Brad) Fittler, Laurie Daley and Allan Langer, they played Origin at 18, 19, 20 years of age.
Parramatta's Jeremy Smith edged closer to a Test debut for New Zealand when he was named in first grade for Friday night's game against Wests Tigers.
Smith was earmarked by Kiwis coach Brian McClennan in The Australian this month as a potential half for the Anzac Test at Suncorp Stadium.
And Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes has indicated he would like to speak to McClennan about Sonny Bill Williams.
In team news, Andrew Johns was not named to play against Melbourne at Olympic Park on Saturday night, Jarrod Mullen was selected at halfback and Danny Buderus named captain.
Wests Tigers fullback and skipper Brett Hodgson had surgery on a broken left hand yesterday with Tim Sheens naming backrower Ben Galea and halfback Scott Prince as joint captains.
The Australian