French Rugby Union on the Hunt for Karmichael
January 11th 2009 08:15
Can Hunt resist French temptation?
Brisbane Broncos fullback Karmichael Hunt has become the major subject of interest of cashed up Rugby Union sides overseas.
It is without surprise that the French are the most eager to poach Hunt's signature, given they have already snared high profile recruits Mark Gasnier from the Dragons and Sonny Bill Williams from the Bulldogs.
Indeed Hunt would also attract immense offers as well, given he his one of the most popular players in the NRL with his determined approach to the game.
He has achieved so much in Rugby League at such a tender age, with Origin and Test selection already in his resume.
Throw in a Grand final victory with the Broncos in 2006 and Hunt has every right to expect supreme offers from cashed up Rugby Union clubs, particularly in France.
As Hunt approaches his sixth season with Brisbane, his contract runs out at the end of 2009 and the Broncos will be hard pressed to match the money that will be offered to a player that has become one of the finest custodians in the NRL.
The Broncos will be desperate to retain Hunt as quickly as possible, considering he is now an integral part of their attacking structure, given the fact so much of Brisbane's backline have departed to other clubs.
Brisbane have to already make do without the services of Darius Boyd and Denan Kemp, two of the NRL's more reliable and potent backs.
Although the likes of Justin Hodges and Israel Folau will keep the Broncos backline very respectable, it is Hunt that sets the platform from fullback with his never say die charges into the defence.
Throw in his great composure under the high ball and it is little wonder why Rugby Union are eager to get their hands on the Kangaroos international.
One has to think though that Hunt's first option would be to stay at the Broncos, given everything the success he has achieved at the club so far.
His contract at the moment is nothing to be ashamed off either, bordering the $300,000 a year mark.
But if it were a case for money for Hunt's signature, the Kiwi born player might as well set up a farewell party at the end of 2009 with his Broncos team-mates.
French Rugby is now known more than ever for its cash muscle, seemingly offering hundreds of thousands of dollars to recruits at will.
Given Hunt's profile in the NRL at the moment, do not be surprised if the French provide the fullback with an offer in excess of $500,000 a season.
For a player as loyal as Hunt, that is a juicy carrot that can not be easily turned down.
But one only has to look at what has happened to Sonny Bill to realise that not all big money moves yield great dividends.
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