Hunt stakes claim on Reds' No.10
The Reds new flyhalf, Rugby League recruit Karmichael Hunt, has stolen the jump on his rivals to wear the Reds' No.10 jersey in the absence of injured Wallaby Quade Cooper.
Having finished their pre-season with a solid 35-12 win over the Crusaders in Brisbane on Friday, the Reds now turn their focus to Canberra – where they will face the Brumbies in the opening round of Super Rugby next Friday, February 13.
Reds head coach Richard Graham said he thought Hunt "did really well" at flyhalf.
"We said each week that he would learn," Graham said, adding: "There are obviously some things he found difficult, but I have to say he controlled the game really well."
Having played opposite All Black legend Dan Carter, Hunt said he felt he is ready to play flyhalf in the season opener next week.
"I enjoyed it," the League convert said, adding: "I just wanted to give myself to the game and take the experience in.
"I didn't want to overcook things, I just wanted to go out there and manage it.
"There were some mistakes and some good lessons," Hunt said, adding that he is more of an "attacking player" and would like to take the line on a bit more.
Carter, who was disappointed with the Crusaders' first half, paid credit to the way the Reds played.
"They really took it to us up front and really dominated our set-piece," the All Black said.
"They scored a lot of tries from turnover ball and, when you make that many mistakes and turn the ball over so much, you can't get into the game.
"We regrouped at halftime and we were very pleased with our second half – we're just going to have to take that momentum into next week."
Graham was "really pleased" with the intent of his team in Friday's win.
"It was a physical game and that's very good preparation going into next week," the coach said.
"I'm happy with some of our ball skills and our handling, and to score five tries against a very good Crusaders side is good reward for their efforts. I'm pleased with the result but we can take lessons from it also."
