Hunt called
in as 18th man for Australia

Brisbane fullback Karmichael Hunt has been flown to Sydney to join the Australian rugby league Test squad on standby for the injured Anthony Minichiello.

Hunt was contacted last night and flew out of Brisbane early today with Minichiello working to overcome a hamstring injury ahead of Friday night's Test against New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium. Minichiello was cleared at the team medical last night and is taking part in a light training run this morning but it was considered prudent to have Hunt on standby as 18th man if needed.

Hunt's call up is expected to cause controversy across the Tasman as he is New Zealand born, but the youngster has frequently stated an ambition to play State of Origin for Queensland, which would rule him out of playing for the Kiwis.