Speculation regarding Karmichael Hunt’s potential departure from the AFL to reunite with his former club, the Brisbane Broncos, has been downplayed by the Gold Coast Suns.
Even though Hunt’s contract with the Suns is in effect until the conclusion of next season, reports suggest that the 27-year-old may be on the brink of rejoining the Broncos.
Nonetheless, the Gold Coast organization intends to retain Hunt and anticipates that he will fulfill the remaining year of his agreement.
“Karmichael is contracted to the Gold Coast Suns for the 2014 season. Right now, both he and the coaches are completely focused on putting in the hard work during the pre-season in preparation for next year,” a representative for the club stated on its official website.
The spokesperson further mentioned, “Karmichael experienced a season disrupted by injury in 2013, and we are enthusiastic about the contribution he can make to the team next year with a full pre-season under his belt.”
Additionally, the statement noted that discussions regarding Hunt’s long-term future are yet to take place between the player and the club, affirming that those conversations would “occur in due time.”
Hunt, who transitioned from Brisbane in 2009 to pursue rugby union with Biarritz in France, has made 43 appearances for the Suns since joining the squad two years ago.
Unfortunately, only nine of those matches took place in 2013 due to hamstring tendonitis limiting his participation. He is expected to compete with Gold Coast’s skilled young players for a starting position in 2014.
Fans who stream AFL live online are aware that losing Hunt would be detrimental to the Suns, especially after the team had to dismiss Campbell Brown following an incident in which he broke fellow player Steven May’s jaw during a night out.
Among all his contributions to AFL results, Hunt’s most memorable moment with the Gold Coast came when he scored a winning goal in the final moments, securing victory over Richmond in Cairns in 2012—one of merely six wins he has been part of.
