Hymel Hunt is embracing his role as a leader of the Club.
Since arriving at the nib Newcastle Knights last season, Hunt has become a constant in the side with his leadership qualities blossoming in the process.
At the age of 26 and with 88 NRL games to his name, Hunt has taken on a senior role at the Club.
With young backs like Tex Hoy, Star To’a, Enari Tuala and Gehamat Shibasaki enjoying plenty of first grade this season, Hunt has been tasked with keeping an eye on the emerging players within the team.
“I’m in the leadership group with all the senior boys,” Hunt told Triple M NRL last week.
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“With Adsy (coach Adam O’Brien) coming on he’s made a few of the leadership boys speak to the younger boys… they are like younger brothers to me.
“I do keep a close eye on them and that’s definitely one of my roles. Try and help them individually and try and keep an eye on them, especially during Corona virus and coming in and out of the side.
“I am a journeyman and that’s happened to me before. If I can give them some wisdom and help them, that’s amazing to me.”
Hunt began his career with the Gold Coast in 2013 before moving to the Melbourne Storm.
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He managed three appearances at the Storm before leaving for South Sydney.
It was during his move to the Rabbitohs that the penny dropped for the outside back.
Reflecting on his journey, a candid Hunt admits he was guilty of thinking things would happen for him when he was younger.
“At first I took it for granted,” he said of his career in the early years.
“I thought when I went to the Storm, everything would just happen for me.
“I got a big kick up the arse from Bellamy before I moved to Souths and met Michael Maguire.
“… when I came here, I still had another year at the Rabbitohs but me and my manager thought I could come here and be part of something special at Newcastle.”
Playing centre or wing for the Knights, Hunt had featured in every game over the past two seasons until given a rest last weekend.
While he didn’t want to miss the Roosters clash, Hunt acknowledges it was probably the best decision for his body.
“I didn’t want to be rested,” he admitted.
“Most footy players would be the same. At the same time, if we can rest players heading into the finals, we should, especially going into the finals.
“There’s a lot of research behind it and they aid its probably the best thing because my body hasn’t played this many games before.”
