Kevin Walters has revealed his side’s poor start to the season was behind his decision to send an SOS to code-hopper and former Brisbane Broncos star Karmichael Hunt.
The rookie Broncos boss this month declared he would not extend a lifeline to the 34-year-old, who has been playing for feeder club Souths Logan since returning from a stint in rugby union.
But Hunt, who played 126 games for the Broncos after making his NRL debut in 2004, will return to Red Hill on a train and trial deal on Monday.
“Am I allowed to change my mind?” Walters quipped when asked to explain his change of heart following Thursday’s 20-12 loss to Penrith.
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Asked directly why he decided to bring Hunt back into the fold, Walters revealed: “The performance of the side. I feel Karmichael can add to this group with his presence, so we’ll see what happens.”
Walters was initially coy when asked to confirm reports Hunt, who has spent the past six years in rugby union after an AFL stint with the Gold Coast Suns, is set to return to Red Hill.
“I’m not sure on that, I won’t making any comment on that tonight,” he said.
“… We’ve made some inquiries on Karmichael so we’re just waiting to get the green light I guess.
“He’s a former Bronco, a good, experienced player, so yeah.”
But when pressed on the possible timeline for Hunt’s return to a Broncos jumper for the first time in a decade, Walters revealed: “I think Round 10 they can come in (to our 30-man NRL squad), yeah.
“So we just want to get him in, have a look at him, get him around the group, see what he can offer, see what he can bring.”
