Utility man Hunt still unsure of future path
By SIMON BRUNSDON
Aug. 24, 2015, 7:23 p.m.
RUGBY LEAGUE
Utility back Justin Hunt is enjoying his best season in the NRL since 2012, but his rugby league career past 2015 is as clear as mud.
Hunt was thrown a one-year lifeline by St George Illawarra after playing just one game with Parramatta during 2014.
He spent the first half of the season playing in the NSW Cup for Illawarra Cutters and broke into the first grade team to replace Josh Dugan at fullback during the Origin period in round 17.
Since then he has missed just one game for the club.
It's the first time he has managed to string consecutive games together since playing rounds 15 and 16 for South Sydney back in 2013.
In 2012, he made 10 appearances for the Rabbitohs, including a semi-final.
He is rapt to be getting a run with the Red V.
He also realises he is playing for a contract.
"I'm loving it, every time I run out on the field I embrace it and really enjoy it," Hunt said.
"Every time I take the field I'm playing for my future, so I try to take it with both hands and do my best."
Hunt is yet to secure a deal past the current season and knows time is running out to join an NRL club.
The Dragons are his third team in as many years and the 26-year-old admits he is sick of moving every 12 months.
But the Red V doesn't appear to be in a hurry to offer him a new contract.
"They're not too sure salary-cap wise, so I'm not sure how it's looking," Hunt said.
"I really want to stay but, if I can't, hopefully I can jag something somewhere else.
"Competition is always good, there's some great outside backs and it always pushes you to make yourself better."
Hunt has been playing on the wing in recent weeks, but admits his preferred position is at fullback.
He knows he won't lay claim to the Dragons' No 1 jumper as long as Dugan is fit, though.
But rather than feel bitter, he says Dugan's presence has helped him to grow as a player.
"Duges is great mate, I'm learning a lot off him because my preferred position is fullback, so he's been good for me," Hunt said.
"And out on the field he's enormous, his runs and everything he does."
Hunt is expected to retain his position in the side for this week's trip to Queensland to take on Gold Coast on Sunday.
Forward Jake Marketo, however, will be missing from the squad after he accepted a one-game ban on Monday.
Marketo was charged with a grade-one dangerous throw following Thursday's win over Penrith and took the early plea which carried 167 points.
Second-rower Tyson Frizell narrowly escaped suspension for his trip on Panthers fullback Will Smith.
http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/3302706/hunt-grabbing-at-future-with-both-hands/?cs=302
