DeeGan
12-05-06, 08:32 AM
Hunt expects to miss Maroons spot
By Mick Daly
May 12, 2006
KARMICHAEL Hunt is not expecting to be named in the Queensland State of Origin side on Monday, despite playing for Australia in last Friday's Test against New Zealand.
Hunt, who will line up for Brisbane against Manly at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow night, said yesterday that he would not be bothered if state selectors overlooked him for the May 24 series opener at Sydney's Telstra Stadium.
He said while he would love to play for Queensland, he did not think his courageous Test performance, in which he was battered by the Kiwis, would add to his chances.
"I have no expectations about Origin," he said.
"After playing for Australia, everything to me is a bonus. I'm not too concerned either way."
Auckland-born Hunt made himself available for national selection so he could achieve his dream of playing for Queensland.
He said even if he was not selected for the first Origin, he was confident he would eventually get his opportunity.
"I guess I gambled a bit in following my heart but if I'm not chosen it doesn't mean it hasn't paid off," he said.
"I've played for my country now. That was one of my goals, though it wasn't ahead of playing for Queensland.
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"I have no control over what the selectors decide to go with. All I can do is try to keep on playing well."
Hunt is locked in a battle with North Queensland dynamo Matt Bowen for the Maroons fullback role, with Melbourne Storm custodian Greg Inglis likely to snare a wing position.
Hunt was outstanding for Australia, absorbing a fierce physical pounding before being knocked unconscious by a Frank Pritchard shoulder charge 30 minutes from full-time.
Many believe Hunt's size and ability to withstand aggressive tactics make him a better starting option than Bowen, who has been used effectively in an interchange role before.
Hunt said if he was selected for Queensland he would not let anyone down.
Hunt said he had enjoyed an easy week at Broncos training and had recovered well from his concussion.
He described his five days with the Australia team as an "awesome experience".
"There was a bit of talk in the papers leading up to the game but the players and my family got behind me, which was nice," he said.
"When I ran on to the field I felt the support of the fans as well. I had a great time."
Hunt can expect a busy night against Manly.
Sea Eagles halfback Matt Orford is set to pepper the Broncos back three with a varied kicking game.
Hunt missed last Sunday's loss to Newcastle at EnergyAustralia Stadium but said he was looking forward to tomorrow's game.
"I feel fine," he said. "Obviously I wasn't real good last weekend but I've had a fairly light few days and have just sat out a few drills at training.
"I don't feel sluggish or anything like that. I'm right to go."
The Broncos had a day off yesterday, with coach Wayne Bennett to decide today whether injured halfback Shane Perry (knee) will play against Manly.
If Perry is sidelined, Brett Seymour - who was dropped to the Toowoomba Clydesdales after Brisbane's roundfive win over South Sydney - is likely to come into the side.
The Sea Eagles yesterday lost Test back rower Ben Kennedy with a calf injury.
They have four players in Orford, winger Chris Hicks and props Brent Kite and Jason King involved in tonight's New South Wales City-Country Origin match at Dubbo.
Back rower Anthony Watmough has also been added to the City squad as 18th man.
The Courier-Mail
Whilst courageous in his Test debut, he is not the second best fullback in the country nor the best fullback option available to Queensland. I am glad common sense will prevail and we will more than likely see Matt Bowen in the number one jersey for Queensland.
My backline is; Bowen, Inglis, Bell, Hodges, *Tate, Lockyer, Thurston
* If he comes through injury free and in decent form this weekend.
By Mick Daly
May 12, 2006
KARMICHAEL Hunt is not expecting to be named in the Queensland State of Origin side on Monday, despite playing for Australia in last Friday's Test against New Zealand.
Hunt, who will line up for Brisbane against Manly at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow night, said yesterday that he would not be bothered if state selectors overlooked him for the May 24 series opener at Sydney's Telstra Stadium.
He said while he would love to play for Queensland, he did not think his courageous Test performance, in which he was battered by the Kiwis, would add to his chances.
"I have no expectations about Origin," he said.
"After playing for Australia, everything to me is a bonus. I'm not too concerned either way."
Auckland-born Hunt made himself available for national selection so he could achieve his dream of playing for Queensland.
He said even if he was not selected for the first Origin, he was confident he would eventually get his opportunity.
"I guess I gambled a bit in following my heart but if I'm not chosen it doesn't mean it hasn't paid off," he said.
"I've played for my country now. That was one of my goals, though it wasn't ahead of playing for Queensland.
Advertisement:
"I have no control over what the selectors decide to go with. All I can do is try to keep on playing well."
Hunt is locked in a battle with North Queensland dynamo Matt Bowen for the Maroons fullback role, with Melbourne Storm custodian Greg Inglis likely to snare a wing position.
Hunt was outstanding for Australia, absorbing a fierce physical pounding before being knocked unconscious by a Frank Pritchard shoulder charge 30 minutes from full-time.
Many believe Hunt's size and ability to withstand aggressive tactics make him a better starting option than Bowen, who has been used effectively in an interchange role before.
Hunt said if he was selected for Queensland he would not let anyone down.
Hunt said he had enjoyed an easy week at Broncos training and had recovered well from his concussion.
He described his five days with the Australia team as an "awesome experience".
"There was a bit of talk in the papers leading up to the game but the players and my family got behind me, which was nice," he said.
"When I ran on to the field I felt the support of the fans as well. I had a great time."
Hunt can expect a busy night against Manly.
Sea Eagles halfback Matt Orford is set to pepper the Broncos back three with a varied kicking game.
Hunt missed last Sunday's loss to Newcastle at EnergyAustralia Stadium but said he was looking forward to tomorrow's game.
"I feel fine," he said. "Obviously I wasn't real good last weekend but I've had a fairly light few days and have just sat out a few drills at training.
"I don't feel sluggish or anything like that. I'm right to go."
The Broncos had a day off yesterday, with coach Wayne Bennett to decide today whether injured halfback Shane Perry (knee) will play against Manly.
If Perry is sidelined, Brett Seymour - who was dropped to the Toowoomba Clydesdales after Brisbane's roundfive win over South Sydney - is likely to come into the side.
The Sea Eagles yesterday lost Test back rower Ben Kennedy with a calf injury.
They have four players in Orford, winger Chris Hicks and props Brent Kite and Jason King involved in tonight's New South Wales City-Country Origin match at Dubbo.
Back rower Anthony Watmough has also been added to the City squad as 18th man.
The Courier-Mail
Whilst courageous in his Test debut, he is not the second best fullback in the country nor the best fullback option available to Queensland. I am glad common sense will prevail and we will more than likely see Matt Bowen in the number one jersey for Queensland.
My backline is; Bowen, Inglis, Bell, Hodges, *Tate, Lockyer, Thurston
* If he comes through injury free and in decent form this weekend.