Karmichael Hunt claims he didn’t even consider a return to rugby league before re-signing with AFL team Gold Coast until the end of the 2014 season.
The Suns on Monday ended any speculation over the former Brisbane Broncos star’s future by announcing the 25-year-old had put pen to paper on a new contract, again partly funded by the AFL.
Despite suggestions a return to the NRL was on the cards for Hunt after bringing the Suns huge publicity with his initial code switch ahead of their start up, he said he always wanted to persist with his AFL career with the club.
That decision was made easier with the AFL again topping up his deal, recontracting him as an ambassador to promote the game.
He’s reportedly set to continue earning more than $1 million a season.
“It’s good that the AFL want me to stay,” Hunt said on Monday.
“Obviously they’ve helped the contract out in terms of letting me stay with the Gold Coast Suns and I look forward to continuing my relationship with the league and also the Suns, promoting their game and obviously helping the team out on the football field.”
He insisted he never considered going back to rugby league.
“A couple of months ago I said (to my manager) that I wanted to stay on the Gold Coast,” said Hunt.
“Obviously there was a lot of interest out there but in no way did I entertain it or even ask about it (a return to rugby league).
“… It was just up to my manager, the club and the AFL to get the deal done and thankfully they want me to stay and I’m looking forward to the future.”
Hunt said he felt he was on his way to becoming a bona fide AFL player after improving throughout his 16 games last season.
“It’s a new experience and something extra I have to learn but I enjoy turning up every day to training and getting better with the team and the coaches and look forward to improving throughout the year,” Hunt said.
“That starts this weekend when we play (Greater Western Sydney in the NAB Cup).
Hunt said the fact that he and his wife were expecting a baby played a part in his decision but wasn’t the major reason.
“If I wasn’t enjoying my time on the Gold Coast and enjoying AFL there’d be no point staying just because we’re having a baby and sticking by our family,” he said.
“.. But it makes it even more special that we are having a little one and we can stay on the Gold Coast and have our parents just up the road in Brisbane which will make it a lot easier.”
Suns coach Guy McKenna paid tribute to Hunt’s commitment and work ethic.
“Karmichael would have to be one of the most professional athletes I’ve come across.
“It’s been really exciting watching him grow. The work he has done over the pre-season to earn himself a spot in our midfield has been phenomenal. I have no doubts that he will continue to get better.”
