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By Peter Badel
June 28, 2009 .Karmichael Hunt has closed the door on Brisbane Broncos, with the inspirational fullback to announce he is quitting the NRL at the end of the Origin series.
The Sunday Mail reported that the Maroons custodian has privately settled his future and will make his intentions public in the weeks after Origin III at Suncorp Stadium.
But Hunt's departure has been offset by the retention of Darren Lockyer, who will officially commit to the Broncos after the Origin series despite a flood of interest from English Super League clubs.
As previously reported by foxsports.com.au, conjecture over Hunt's future has bubbled for the past three months, with the ex-Test fullback linked repeatedly with a big-money move to play under former coach Wayne Bennett at the Dragons next year.
But it is understood Hunt has decided on a two-year overseas sabbatical. Only a surprise change of heart in the next three weeks will stop him embarking on a stint in rugby in Europe or Japan.
"I'd love him to stay, but I get the gut feeling Karmichael won't be with us next year," Broncos skipper Darren Lockyer said.
"Whatever decision he makes, he would have thought long and hard about it and it will be the right thing for him."
The 22-year-old has interest from two Japanese clubs, with one offer from giants Suntory rumoured to be worth $1.2 million over two seasons.
Hunt was destined to play in the Top League, but his move to the Japanese competition could be thwarted by fresh interest from English rugby clubs.
The Broncos tabled a three-year, $1.25m deal to Hunt in late January but his perceived dithering, which prompted the club to withdraw the offer in March, has club insiders convinced the fullback has set his sights beyond the NRL.
Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen said the club was awaiting an official response from Hunt's manager David Riolo.
"They have said they aren't doing anything until after Origin," he said.
Privately, Hunt has told his close friends he would have no fears heading abroad. He has reasoned he can see the world for two years, earn good money playing rugby in the process, then return to the NRL with the Broncos.
While Hunt will be temporarily lost to the Broncos, there is no risk of Lockyer turning his back on Red Hill.
The Broncos were set to announce Lockyer's retention before Origin II but the champion pivot will re-sign until the end of 2011 after game three.
Lockyer's manager George Mimis has spent the past fortnight in England but insists his trip was not motivated by any breakdown in talks with the Broncos.
"I'd be lying if I said some of the clubs haven't thrown numbers at me, but Darren is committed to the Broncos," he said.
Lockyer added: "It would be nice to have my future settled sooner but there's no issues, I just want to put it to bed."
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25699263-5018866,00.html
June 28, 2009 .Karmichael Hunt has closed the door on Brisbane Broncos, with the inspirational fullback to announce he is quitting the NRL at the end of the Origin series.
The Sunday Mail reported that the Maroons custodian has privately settled his future and will make his intentions public in the weeks after Origin III at Suncorp Stadium.
But Hunt's departure has been offset by the retention of Darren Lockyer, who will officially commit to the Broncos after the Origin series despite a flood of interest from English Super League clubs.
As previously reported by foxsports.com.au, conjecture over Hunt's future has bubbled for the past three months, with the ex-Test fullback linked repeatedly with a big-money move to play under former coach Wayne Bennett at the Dragons next year.
But it is understood Hunt has decided on a two-year overseas sabbatical. Only a surprise change of heart in the next three weeks will stop him embarking on a stint in rugby in Europe or Japan.
"I'd love him to stay, but I get the gut feeling Karmichael won't be with us next year," Broncos skipper Darren Lockyer said.
"Whatever decision he makes, he would have thought long and hard about it and it will be the right thing for him."
The 22-year-old has interest from two Japanese clubs, with one offer from giants Suntory rumoured to be worth $1.2 million over two seasons.
Hunt was destined to play in the Top League, but his move to the Japanese competition could be thwarted by fresh interest from English rugby clubs.
The Broncos tabled a three-year, $1.25m deal to Hunt in late January but his perceived dithering, which prompted the club to withdraw the offer in March, has club insiders convinced the fullback has set his sights beyond the NRL.
Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen said the club was awaiting an official response from Hunt's manager David Riolo.
"They have said they aren't doing anything until after Origin," he said.
Privately, Hunt has told his close friends he would have no fears heading abroad. He has reasoned he can see the world for two years, earn good money playing rugby in the process, then return to the NRL with the Broncos.
While Hunt will be temporarily lost to the Broncos, there is no risk of Lockyer turning his back on Red Hill.
The Broncos were set to announce Lockyer's retention before Origin II but the champion pivot will re-sign until the end of 2011 after game three.
Lockyer's manager George Mimis has spent the past fortnight in England but insists his trip was not motivated by any breakdown in talks with the Broncos.
"I'd be lying if I said some of the clubs haven't thrown numbers at me, but Darren is committed to the Broncos," he said.
Lockyer added: "It would be nice to have my future settled sooner but there's no issues, I just want to put it to bed."
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25699263-5018866,00.html
