Eels Sign Justin Hunt
Monday 19 August 2013 12:30 PM
The Pirtek Parramatta Eels have today announced the signing of Justin Hunt to a 3-year deal commencing in 2014.
A talented winger or fullback, Hunt has played 13 NRL games for the South Sydney Rabbitohs since making his first grade debut in 2012.
Blessed with blistering pace and football awareness, Pirtek Parramatta Eels Head Coach Ricky Stuart believes the 24 year old will get the opportunity to reach his full potential wearing the blue and gold.
"Justin is an incredibly talented young man and is a great addition to our squad for 2014," Stuart said
"He has served a superb apprenticeship behind some great outside backs like Greg Inglis and Nathan Merritt at Souths, but now he is at point in his career where he wants to take his game to a new level."
"Justin's signature keeps our recruitment plans on track, and I hope Eels members and fans can take confidence from that."
A member of the Eels 2008 NYC squad which included Club Captain Tim Mannah and front-rower Mitchell Allgood, Hunt returns with the experience of playing within a number of different systems in the NRL.
Pirtek Parramatta Eels Interim CEO Matt Phelan says the signing of Hunt is yet another positive sign for the future.
"We have been very active in the player market over the last 6 months to deliver the Blue and Gold army a team that can secure success next year and beyond," Phelan said.
"Hunt will help form a pretty formidable back line in 2014 which will include Jarryd Hayne, Will Hopoate and Corey Norman." Phelan said.
The Hunt name has been synonymous with the Eels since 1980 when Justin's dad Neil played the first of 107 games for the club. Parramatta Chairman Steve Sharp, who played alongside Neil for the majority of his career, is excited about having the Hunt name back in Blue and Gold.
"We are a family club, so to have Justin joining us given the great career his dad had here is just fantastic," Sharp said.
"Make no mistake though, Justin has been recruited on his own merits and will help us form a tremendous squad under the guidance of Ricky Stuart."
http://www.parraeels.com.au/news-display/eels-sign-justin-hunt/82251
