Hunt still in with a sniff for WC dream
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Karmichael Hunt was on Monday welcomed back to team training at Ballymore after the four-week banishment that turned his new life, and code, into uproar.
His ban covers Friday’s clash against South Africa’s Lions at Suncorp Stadium when playmaker Quade Cooper will return from a broken collarbone.
The 28-year-old outside back is being groomed for a comeback a week later against the Rebels in Melbourne.
Hunt’s guilty plea on four counts of cocaine possession may have tarnished his football legacy, but it hasn’t prevented him from keeping a foot in the door with the Wallabies camp.
And his World Cup dreams are still very much alive.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika invited Hunt to his first team-building gathering in Canberra on February 14 but he was ineligible for a similar meeting on March 8 in Brisbane.
However it does not seem like that will be a permanent feature.
“We’ve missed each other over last couple of days, we’ve been trying to get in contact, but my wife has just had our third daughter so it’s been quite busy,” Hunt said.
“I don’t want to give too much away but I sent an email to Cheik [Cheika] saying I want to focus on my return and getting some good footy with the Reds under my belt.“I look forward to putting in some good performances.”
That’s a realistic tack for fullback Hunt, who is looking to his return for the Queensland outfit.
Hunt was no slouch during his suspension from the game, and he made the most of his time alone.
“I made the trip to the Gold Coast for speed sessions three times a week,” Hunt said.
“I can get my hands on a footy with the boys now and help turn things around.
“Everyone shook my hand and said ‘G'day.’ The boys have been there for me and not left me out of that inner circle.”
Hunt’s sprint work was with 1996 Olympian Mark Ladbrook, who curiously works for Hunt’s former Gold Coast Suns AFL club, but was recommended by Wallabies fitness guru Dean Benton.
Hunt has done his time with a psychologist to ensure there are no repeat episodes like last year’s incident.
“I have made a pact to myself, and my family, that I won’t be venturing down that path again,” Hunt said.
When asked whether his public shaming would deter footballers from all codes from illicit drug-taking, Hunt was philosophical.
“I think it’ll be a lesson for everyone but again it’s up to individuals to make decisions,” Hunt said.
“Individual circumstances differ as to why people cross that boundary and dabble with illicit drugs.
“I can’t judge, I can’t tell people what to do… it’s not my right. Everyone will see my situation and take a lesson out of it.”
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