As Queensland Reds five-eighth, code hopper Karmichael Hunt is a perfect 10 – just ask him.
Reds coach Richard Graham revealed Hunt had requested to wear the No.10 jersey as Queensland tackled life without star playmaker Quade Cooper (collarbone).
But rookie Duncan Paia’aua looks set to get another chance in Friday night’s trial against the Crusaders at Ballymore despite struggling against Melbourne last weekend.
Ex-Wallabies James O’Connor may also spend time at five-eighth on Reds debut on Friday night despite missing training on Monday due to tonsillitis.
Hunt was promising at fullback on Reds debut in Queensland’s trial loss to the Rebels in Cairns on Saturday night.
And Graham hinted that is where Hunt should stay for now – despite his prized recruit’s feedback.
“He has told me he should be 10,” a laughing Graham said of Hunt, who dabbled at pivot in the NRL and with French rugby club Biarritz, albeit five years ago.
“He understands playing in the front line pretty well from not only his time in rugby league but also Biarritz as 10 as well.
“(But) at the moment I am looking at settling him into the game.
“The other night he did some really good things and other things he is learning.
“That’s the value, if you can, of putting him in one position.”
Hunt said he would relish the No.10 role but backed Paia’aua to bounce back from his disappointing weekend turn in difficult, humid conditions.
“I feel I could handle most things that are put in front of me,” Hunt said.
“(But) obviously he (Paia’aua) made some mistakes and he would like to have some of those moments back.
“But he’s a young player new to the game and we have 100 per cent confidence that he will be able to grow and get better.”
Graham agreed.
“I am certainly considering playing Duncan there again – he deserves an opportunity,” he said.
“Up there the other night was tough going, and they all learn through their experiences.”
Graham did not rule out O’Connor sharing five-eighth duties on Friday but believed the ex-Wallabies flyer would spend most time on the wing.
“Unfortunately he came home crook yesterday with tonsillitis …but our expectation is that he will be available on Friday night,” he said.
“I am more interested in playing him on the wing.
“But I have an open mind (about five-eighth).”
Besides O’Connor, Graham said Ben Daley, Ed O’Donoghue and ex-All Blacks lock Adam Thomson would be injected into this week’s Reds squad.
Daley slots in for prop Greg Holmes (thumb).
Queensland open their Super Rugby season against the ACT Brumbies on Friday week.
