Spotlight back on Hunt
October 29, 2008
KARMICHAEL Hunt's rugby league World Cup was to be spent in the Cook Islands, with family and away from the glare of a police investigation into his off-field behaviour.
Instead the Brisbane star has been thrust back into the spotlight, albeit on a positive note, as he will play in Sunday night's Test against England at Telstra Dome.
Hunt replaced the injured Kurt Gidley (knee) in the Australian side, on the bench, and is preparing to fill any of a handful of roles, from dummy-half to full-back to the back row.
Gidley's tournament-ending injury gives Hunt the chance to become a regular member of the side after he was initially overlooked when the 24-man squad was named earlier this month, until he replaced injured club teammate Justin Hodges.
His inclusion coincided with a continuing police investigation over claims he and two other Broncos were involved in an alleged sexual assault.
Questions about that investigation were strictly off limits but Hunt gave an insight into his thinking when asked how he felt about being left out of the initial squad.
"I was a little bit disappointed, I thought I was in alright form towards the end of the year," he said.
"But on the flipside of the coin, I was happy to get away and go on holidays.
"I got a week-and-a-bit into my holiday and I got the call, so I thought I'd better change my mental thinking and switch back to football, rather than laying on a beach in the sun."
Hunt said his fitness and focus were good after the NRL season, and was delighted to be recalled to the national side.
"To get a call-up to play against the Poms this Sunday is an awesome feeling," he said.
Gidley's injury not only left Australia a man short for the rest of the tournament, but denies coach Ricky Stuart flexibility.
However, Hunt's inclusion in the side means he could play full-back and release Billy Slater to play dummy-half, or provide more support to the forwards, a role he had no qualms about.
"I'll have to get a haircut before it gets too messed up, but I've played in the scrum before, so it's going to be nothing new to me," he said.
Hooker Cameron Smith admitted Gidley's absence made things tougher for the Kangaroos, despite critics claiming the tournament will be one-sided if Australia beat England, having thrashed New Zealand 30-6 last Sunday night.
Smith expected England to improve on their performance in beating Papua New Guinea 32-22 last weekend, and said it was important for the tournament's credibility to have competitive matches.
"It's the first step towards putting international rugby league back on the map," he said.
"It's probably struggled a little bit the last few years with the fans, but the showing in Sydney the other night, when we got (almost) 35,000 people to our game, it's back on track.
"It would be nice for us if England don't turn up with their right game, but hopefully for the international game they do."
Half-back Johnathan Thurston (shoulder) remains Australia's only injury worry, but he was named in the side and Smith expected him to play.
"He's quite a tough character and he's a competitor as well, so I'd say he'd like to be out there against the Poms," he said.
AAP
World Cup: Australia vs England
, well done for deciding that 60 minutes is more important than The World Cup 
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