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Dominic Brock | rugbyleaguelive.com | 14/05/08 | 0
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He’s replacing one of the game’s greats, after being picked ahead of arguably the form player in the NRL. But Karmichael Hunt says he’s up to the task of filling Darren Lockyer’s boots in Queensland’s star-studded State of Origin side.
Hunt was yesterday named as the Maroons’ five-eighth for the first Origin clash in Sydney on May 21, replacing injured Test captain Lockyer.
He got the nod ahead of the Gold Coast’s Scott Prince – the form half of the competition this season – on the basis that Prince was too similar to halfback Johnathan Thurston.
Hunt is a cool customer, but is already being put under plenty of pressure to perform in order to prove the selectors right.
But, as a 21-year-old who has never worn the No.6 in his time at the Broncos, he is sure to be put under a lot more pressure next week by a hungry NSW forward pack.
“They did it to Locky last year and I haven’t defended much in the front line, so I am guessing they will send a fair bit of traffic my way,” Hunt told the Australian.
“But that’s fine with me. I am confident I can handle that. My fitness is good and I have done a lot of work on my technique, so I know it will hold up.
“To be honest, I wouldn’t mind at all if they wanted to single me out on the edges because that will just let JT off the leash.
“He is rated the No.1 player in game at the moment and I know how important these games are to him. He is raring to get out there and he is a genuine matchwinner.
“If I have to tackle all night to let him do his thing, I am happy to do that.”
Hunt will be given a crash course in playing in the halves from Thurston and Lockyer, with Lockyer’s status as one of the game’s great fullbacks and five-eighths sure to help Hunt make the transition between the two positions.
“I am not silly enough to think I can just go in there and do the job Locky does, and I am not going to try to do that,” Hunt said.
“But I will definitely seek him out a fair bit this week. I expect he will pass on plenty of tips and advice and who better to learn from? He is the best in the game and he made the move from full-back to five-eighth so it will be good to get his point of view on making the adjustment.
“It’s imperative I have a good week at training to get rid of the concerns or nerves I have about playing the position in Origin.
“I don’t usually get too nervous, but I don't want to let anyone down. I want to be confident in myself when I hit the field and that means a lot of hard work this week.
“It’s a huge challenge, but I am more excited than anything nervous about it.”
It’s a huge challenge, but I am more excited than anything nervous about it.
Karmichael Hunt
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