State of Origin fever has struck down code-hopper Karmichael Hunt.

But Gold Coast fans can rest easy – Suns coach Guy McKenna says Hunt is only fired up over an AFL return.

McKenna admitted former NRL star Hunt got the Origin bug on the AFL sidelines watching his former Queensland side draw level in the interstate series with NSW in Brisbane on Wednesday night.

Barely a week earlier another ex-Bronco Israel Folau turned heads with a sensational two-try Wallabies debut against the British and Irish Lions at the same ground.

But rather than get itchy feet for another code switch, Hunt will relish his Suns return.

Hunt will run out against Adelaide at Metricon Stadium on Saturday, marking his first game back since round six.

McKenna knows how much the other codes mean to Hunt.

“I really get excited for him (Hunt) around that time with the Wallabies, the Lions in town, the State of Origin,” McKenna said.

“He’s a fairly passionate person (but) he’s a passionate AFL player right now.

“I think that gets another five to 10 per cent out of Karmichael, if you can.

“I’m excited. I don’t think the Adelaide players will be that excited.”

Hunt was one of five new faces including debutant Andrew Boston in the Suns squad coming off a bye, earning his stripes through the reserves after battling back from a hamstring complaint.

McKenna said Hunt was a prime example of what was required if the Suns (12th; 5-7 record) were to dare to dream of a finals berth.

“I think what we’ve been able to do this year … there’s no ‘I’m this age and I’ve played this many games, I deserve to play’,” McKenna said.

“Or ‘you’re a young player in his third year, you deserve to play’. It’s about deserving your spot in the side.

“Whether you’ve played eight years or two years, if you’re not performing, someone out there is ready to take your spot.”

The Suns are two games outside the eight but with a dream run over the final 10 rounds and an improving home record McKenna hopes they won’t die wondering about September action.

“I think there’s a saying out there ‘if you reach for the stars you might land on the moon’ – that’s what we have to do,” he said.

Adelaide (11th; 5-7) are still smarting from heavy losses to Sydney and Richmond before their bye.