Karmichael Hunt is set to become Australia’s 48th dual-code international but he may have to be content with a bench utility role in next month’s Test matches.

After a string of quality performances for the Queensland Reds, the 30-year-old fullback has been included in coach Michael Cheika’s squad for June’s clashes against Fiji, Scotland and Wales.

Hunt is vying for a Wallabies debut in his third year as a Super Rugby player, having already played 11 times at international level in rugby league for the Kangaroos.

But the last player to represent Australia in both league and union, Israel Folau, is the biggest obstacle in his way.

Folau is the incumbent No.15 and Cheika has continually resisted calls to play him elsewhere.

Last year he dug his heels in when Folau’s strong form for the NSW Waratahs at outside centre posed a selection quandary, and this year he is dismissing suggestions to move him to the wing to accommodate the in-form Hunt at fullback.

Instead, Hunt’s previous experience in the centres and five-eighth for the Reds could see him become Australia’s Mr Fix-It off the bench.

“You couldn’t have left him out, just his attitude and his approach to the game and his character as well,” Cheika said.

“We’re looking for personalities that can lead each other and a group of men into improving and playing some good rugby.

“That may mean him having a utility (role) in some instances, and I don’t think he’d mind that.

“But predominantly I see where he’s played his good football this year is at fullback and that’s where we’ll look at him.

“He’s played so well at fullback this year, you’d think that’s his spot. But I’ve got a few handy players back there as well.”

Cheika’s other option at the back is Dane Haylett-Petty, who was named in the 34-man squad despite having not played for more than a month because of a hamstring injury.

But Haylett-Petty, who made his Wallabies debut last year, has played on the wing in all of his 13 Test appearances despite starring for the Western Force at fullback.