Former Brisbane Broncos star Karmichael Hunt has made his return to rugby league, signing with Intrust Super Cup outfit Souths Logan.
Hunt left Red Hill in 2009 before a venture to rugby and the AFL, and is now eyeing a move into the coach's box in the near future.
Speaking to The Courier Mail, Hunt said he would be open to returning to the NRL "if someone might need a hand somewhere", whilst remaining keen on a mentorship position after his career.
The former Kangaroos fullback revealed how ex-Souths Logan player and coach Wayne Bennett gave the club a strong backing when Hunt approached him for guidelines to move into coaching several years ago.
“Wayne said you have a good CEO (Jim McClelland) who will support your ambitions at Souths,’’ Hunt said.
“I started thinking about coaching for the last three and a bit years, really seriously.
“With Wayne, there were only discussions about the pathway, not whether I would be a good coach or not.
“I guess in my own head I have already decided that in my own head (that he could be a good coach).
“Wayne sort of came in around the pathway stuff.
“But once I become a fully fledged coach, whether it is here or where ever, in whatever capacity, I would love to use Wayne as a mentor.
“I am sure he would be prepared to help me out, as he has done throughout my career.’’
While a great focus is what comes after he call's time on his career, Hunt is confident in his playing ability to keep on playing, still holding the passion.
“Deep down, I still want to play footy,’’ he said.
“My body feels great, my mind feels great and as usual, I am looking forward to my footy doing the talking.
“I am not giving away my playing career just yet because I feel I have good years to give.
“But in the long run I feel the IP I have picked up in the other codes, all the pros and cons, I feel like I have something in my head that I am looking forward to bringing into the game.’’
The Magpies' first game of the 2021 season will be against Burleigh at home on Sunday, March 21.
He might have a chance at the Dragons as a distraction if they let another key player go.
ROFL