Granty
13-02-2006, 01:42 PM
http://qrl.com.au/display.php?pg_id=1271
Browne Park Trial Attracts 6000
Courtesy of Broncos.com.au
By Scott Dickson
KARMICHAEL Hunt showed he has the goods to handle a potential permanent switch to halfback after a “dominating” playmaking display in the Ergon Energy Broncos successful second pre-season trial.
The teenage sensation managed the transition from fullback with aplomb, grabbing a classy double and orchestrating two others in the 36-4 crushing of North Queensland at Rockhampton's Browne Park.
It was an all-round performance that would have thrilled coach Wayne Bennett, mainly because his possible halfback of the near future strongly indicated he could play first receiver in a way which would take plenty of playmaking pressure off five-eighth Darren Lockyer.
With last season’s no.7 Brett Seymour (shoulder) battling an off-season shoulder reconstruction, Hunt is likely to partner Lockyer in the halves for the NRL season’s opening rounds.
And based on the weekend's showing, the 19-year-old could find himself in the Broncos halves for many years to come.
“He completely dominated,” said Broncos football manager Andrew Gee, a former Queensland Origin prop.
“He looked comfortable out there, guided the team around and was impressive in all areas of the halfback game.”
Hunt scored in each half, but it was his second that revealed his class after he chipped and regathered in a brilliant solo effort.
"The main thing for me tonight was to keep it simple," Hunt, who captained the side, told AAP.
"It was a bit more tackling than at fullback but I had fun. It's definitely a position I would love to keep playing."
In its first proper 2006 contest after fielding a rookie-filled team last weekend, the Broncos side featuring 13 NRL players cruised to a seven-tries-to-one romp over an error-riddled Cowboys outift.
Along with Hunt, teenage flyer Steve Michaels scored a brace, with winger Tame Tupou and young non-NRL squad members Jamie Simpson and Ian Lacey also crossing the line.
“Despite being rusty with the ball, the team was pretty good for an initial hit out,” Gee said.
“Along with Hunt, I thought (18-year-old) fullback Darius Boyd and (Roosters off-season recruit) Ben Hannant were our best.”
Gee said the Broncos other off-season recruit, Michael Ennis, who kicked four goals, “was steady” in his debut for the club.
The Broncos came through the match with no casualties.
The club is expected to field a near full strength side for next Saturday’s second-last trial against Canberra in Port Macquarie.
In another pre-season match involving the Broncos club, a team of Broncos juniors from Toowoomba and Aspley were thumped 56-12 by Wynnum at Kougari Oval.
The Seagulls led 40-6 at the break.
BRONCOS/CLYDESDALES 36 (K Hunt 2, S Michaels 2, T Tupou, J Simpson, I Lacey; Michael Ennis 4 goals) beat COWBOYS/YOUNG GUNS 4 (M Henry try) at Browne Park, Rockhampton.
Referee: G. Suttor
Crowd: 6, 500 (capacity)
Browne Park Trial Attracts 6000
Courtesy of Broncos.com.au
By Scott Dickson
KARMICHAEL Hunt showed he has the goods to handle a potential permanent switch to halfback after a “dominating” playmaking display in the Ergon Energy Broncos successful second pre-season trial.
The teenage sensation managed the transition from fullback with aplomb, grabbing a classy double and orchestrating two others in the 36-4 crushing of North Queensland at Rockhampton's Browne Park.
It was an all-round performance that would have thrilled coach Wayne Bennett, mainly because his possible halfback of the near future strongly indicated he could play first receiver in a way which would take plenty of playmaking pressure off five-eighth Darren Lockyer.
With last season’s no.7 Brett Seymour (shoulder) battling an off-season shoulder reconstruction, Hunt is likely to partner Lockyer in the halves for the NRL season’s opening rounds.
And based on the weekend's showing, the 19-year-old could find himself in the Broncos halves for many years to come.
“He completely dominated,” said Broncos football manager Andrew Gee, a former Queensland Origin prop.
“He looked comfortable out there, guided the team around and was impressive in all areas of the halfback game.”
Hunt scored in each half, but it was his second that revealed his class after he chipped and regathered in a brilliant solo effort.
"The main thing for me tonight was to keep it simple," Hunt, who captained the side, told AAP.
"It was a bit more tackling than at fullback but I had fun. It's definitely a position I would love to keep playing."
In its first proper 2006 contest after fielding a rookie-filled team last weekend, the Broncos side featuring 13 NRL players cruised to a seven-tries-to-one romp over an error-riddled Cowboys outift.
Along with Hunt, teenage flyer Steve Michaels scored a brace, with winger Tame Tupou and young non-NRL squad members Jamie Simpson and Ian Lacey also crossing the line.
“Despite being rusty with the ball, the team was pretty good for an initial hit out,” Gee said.
“Along with Hunt, I thought (18-year-old) fullback Darius Boyd and (Roosters off-season recruit) Ben Hannant were our best.”
Gee said the Broncos other off-season recruit, Michael Ennis, who kicked four goals, “was steady” in his debut for the club.
The Broncos came through the match with no casualties.
The club is expected to field a near full strength side for next Saturday’s second-last trial against Canberra in Port Macquarie.
In another pre-season match involving the Broncos club, a team of Broncos juniors from Toowoomba and Aspley were thumped 56-12 by Wynnum at Kougari Oval.
The Seagulls led 40-6 at the break.
BRONCOS/CLYDESDALES 36 (K Hunt 2, S Michaels 2, T Tupou, J Simpson, I Lacey; Michael Ennis 4 goals) beat COWBOYS/YOUNG GUNS 4 (M Henry try) at Browne Park, Rockhampton.
Referee: G. Suttor
Crowd: 6, 500 (capacity)