He may not have played a game yet, but that has not stopped code hopper Karmichael Hunt being named as one of new Queensland Reds captain James Slipper’s deputies.

Just four months after arriving at the Reds, Hunt has been named vice-captain along with Wallabies lock Rob Simmons as James Horwill’s impressive eight-year reign came to an end.

Even Hunt, 28, was surprised by his remarkable rise in his latest code.

“I didn’t see it coming. I was pretty shocked to be honest,” said ex-Bronco Hunt, who arrived at the Reds after four seasons at AFL club Gold Coast Suns.

“I think it is probably a nod to what I have done in the past but there is a lot of history to create for me.”

Reds fullback Hunt plays his first game for Queensland in their January 31 trial against Melbourne Rebels in Cairns.

Hunt has only played rugby at Brisbane’s Anglican Church Grammar School and at French club Biarritz, pre-Suns in 2010.

But a relaxed Hunt claimed he was not feeling any more pressure ahead of his latest code switch after his latest honour.

“I put pressure on myself,” he said.

“It’s business as usual.”

Reds coach Richard Graham said Hunt was a clear cut candidate after opting to launch a leadership transition following Horwill’s decision to leave for English club Harlequins following this year’s World Cup.

“Formally he hasn’t had a title or an armband before but he has always demonstrated a level of leadership and influence,” Graham said of Hunt.

“He deserves the opportunity on the back of the way he has conducted himself the last four months.”

Horwill – who has 107 state caps and 58 for Australia – admitted he was initially reluctant to step aside.

“But after I gave it more thought, the best way to transition the leadership was to do it this way,” said Horwill ahead of his 10th and it seems last Super Rugby season.

The leadership announcement was all about looking ahead but ex-Wallabies skipper Horwill could not help take a peak back on Friday.

Under Horwill’s leadership Queensland rose again as a rugby power, claiming the 2011 title and making the finals in three of the last four seasons.

“An organisation put their faith into a 22-year-old hot head who spent more time off the field (due to suspension),” Horwill said of his fiery, sin-bin riddled early playing days.

“I wanted to leave this place better than when I started and I feel I have done that.”

Wallabies vice-captain and prop Slipper added: “Where he has taken this club is something that he should be proud of.”