Karmichael Hunt will wear any number as long as it’s on the back of a gold Wallabies jersey after his selection in the Australian squad for the June Tests.
After playing 11 rugby league Tests, Hunt is set to become Australia’s 48th dual international, saying he is grateful to be selected three years after making the switch.
“It’s a huge honour that’s come after a lot of hard work and many injuries among other things,” Hunt said.
“I know how much it would mean to be a dual international, if I get a cap.”
The 30-year-old earnt the call-up for the squad to face Fiji, Scotland and Wales through a string of quality Super Rugby performances this season at fullback for Queensland.
But the last player to represent Australia in league and union, Israel Folau, is the incumbent No.15 and Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has continually resisted calls to play him elsewhere.
Hunt’s previous experience in the centres and five-eighth for the Reds could lead to him becoming Australia’s Mr Fix It off the bench.
“You couldn’t have left him out, just his attitude and his approach to the game and his character as well,” Cheika said.
“That may mean him having a utility (role) in some instances, and I don’t think he’d mind that.
“Predominantly, I see where he’s played his good football this year is at fullback and that’s where we’ll look at him … but I’ve got a few handy players back there as well.”
Hunt said he was happy to line up anywhere in the Wallabies’ backline.
“There’s really no preference when it comes to national selection. I just want to get a jersey and give it 100 per cent and that’s always been my mindset,” he said.
Following the same path from league to AFL to rugby, Hunt was looking forward to finally being in the same side for the first time since 2009 as Folau at NRL club Brisbane.
“We’ve had a lot of history together – we’ve played with each other, played against each other, so it will be good to get back in the same team,” Hunt said.
Cheika’s other option at the back is Dane Haylett-Petty, named in the 34-man squad despite having not played for more than a month because of a hamstring injury.
But Haylett-Petty, debuting last year for the Wallabies, has played on the wing in all 13 Test appearances despite starring for the Western Force at fullback.