Gold Coast Suns training at Metricon Stadium, Carrara - Karmichael Hunt Source: News Limited
KARMICHAEL Hunt's million dollar price tag is not the major stumbling block for the Titans in their bid to lure the high profile code-hopper back to the NRL.
Rather, it is their own powerbroker Michael Searle.
Hunt has not forgotten Searle's stunning attack back in 2009 when he described the former Broncos' code switch as "desperate", a "circus" and "destined to fail", and Hunt "a gun for hire, a mercenary''.
Searle also said the move to make Hunt the Suns' first signing had the potential to be the ''most expensive media stunt in the history of sport''.
Now, new Titans CEO Graham Annesley says Hunt's profile is a major reason behind their interest.
Gold Coast Titans and Gold coast Suns at a one-off training session where the clubs traded tips on defence and ball skills. Karmichael Hunt and Nate Myles catch up. Pic Glenn Hampson Source: News Limited
"Karmichael is a huge star anywhere in Queensland and in southeast Queensland in particular because of what he has done in the AFL,'' he said.
Hunt, typically, was unfussed by yesterday's report of the Titans' interest.
"I haven't bought into it,'' he said.
"I'm just getting my head around leaving for Arizona for our training camp on Sunday."
Hunt's price tag may not be a major issue.
The AFL supplement a major portion of his $1m salary and there are no guarantees they will continue the arrangement beyond this year.
It means any potential bidding war could be fought on a level playing field.
When reports of another potential code switch started to surface, Gold Coast AFL football manager Marcus Ashcroft and list manager Scott Clayton sat him down for a heart-to-heart.
The message was "We'd love you to stay but will respect any decision you make."
GC Suns players Karmichael Hunt and Gary Ablett. Source: News Limited
Hunt insisted he was 100 per cent committed to the Suns and promised them he would be with the club in 2014.
He kept that promise and on Sunday leaves for Arizona to begin another pre-season.
But it hasn't stopped the suitors.
Hunt has been linked to the Titans, Broncos and most recently former coach Wayne Bennett's Knights.
Suns CEO Travis Auld yesterday described Hunt as a required and valued member of the club.
"Injuries were a real source of frustration for Karmichael last year, but he has continually shown that he is an elite and very determined athlete and we are certainly confident that he will again make a significant on field contribution next season,'' he said.
"Karmichael has achieved so much in our game and we still believe he has plenty to offer."
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
Hunt price tag no issue for Titans
Dengan url
http://sportmingguan.blogspot.com/2013/11/hunt-price-tag-no-issue-for-titans.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
Hunt price tag no issue for Titans
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
Hunt price tag no issue for Titans
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar