Hunt given rugby union lifeline by the Waratahs
Karmichael Hunt has signed with the Waratahs in a bid to re-launch his career and put a horror year behind him.
NSW Rugby announced the one-year deal on Monday, revealing they and Rugby Australia had brokered a swap with the Reds, with under-utilised back Bryce Hegarty heading to Ballymore in return for Hunt moving to Sydney.
It is a significant gamble for NSW Rugby given Hunt’s record of drug arrests - although Qld Police dropped the most recent charges - but the six-Test code-hopping utility still offers class and experience to the Waratahs.
Coach Daryl Gibson will be looking to use the depth in his back-line to rest top-line Test stars such as Israel Folau, Kurtley Beale and Bernard Foley.
The 32-year-old Hunt played six Tests for Australia in 2017 before an arrest on drugs charges a year ago brought a promising career revival crashing down.
Police dropped a charge of cocaine possession and no conviction was recorded, but Hunt was fined $300 for being in possession of a prescription drug and another $300 for failing to report to police for finger-printing.
The incident resulted in a $10,000 fine under Rugby Australia's Code of Conduct and a four-match ban. It was also the end of his career in Queensland, with hard-line coach Brad Thorn effectively rubbing him out of all plans, two years out from the end of his contract.
Hunt saw out the year training with Souths in the Brisbane club competition and playing for Brisbane City in the NRC.
He has never given up his ambitions for higher honours.
More to come