Hunt fate hanging on Cherry-Evans

Kangaroos rugby league rookie Ben Hunt could be forgiven for having a feeling of deja vu.

Hunt is in line to make his Test debut against England in Australia’s crucial Four Nations tournament match at AAMI Park on Sunday.

But for the second time this year the 24-year-old’s fate rests on the fitness of Daly Cherry-Evans.

Just over four months ago Hunt was in the Queensland State of Origin team camp, preparing to play game two as cover for the injured Cherry-Evans.

But the Manly playmaker made a miraculous recovery from a knee injury with Hunt not getting a run.

This time Cherry-Evans has a hip injury, as well as temporarily returning to Sydney for the birth of his second child.

Broncos half Hunt said he would again be ready to play if needed.

“Daly’s a day to day thing so hopefully he’ll be right to play,” Hunt said.

“In Origin he came in on the last day and was cleared to play so I’ll just have to wait and see.

“I’m going to be preparing as if I’m starting in the halves so if I get the chance to play I’ll be right.

“I’m approaching it as if it’s going to be one of the biggest games of my career.”

The Australians haven’t been too concerned about the absence of Cherry-Evans, with it falling on a light training day as well as a day off.

They remain confident he will recover in time, with Australia needing to win the match to keep alive their Four Nations title hopes after a disappointing opening loss to New Zealand.

England also have a new halves combination, with Matt Smith and Gareth Widdop playing for the first time together in their scratchy 32-26 win over Samoa.

Hunt said he had been spending plenty of time with Cherry-Evans as well as senior players Cameron Smith and Greg Bird, who have helped him cope with his meteoric rise.

“To be where I am is a dream come true,” he said.

“I started the year trying to be a regular first grader so this is something I never thought about at all.”

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!