Minichiello
out, Hunt to play for Australia

New Zealand-born Karmichael Hunt will make his rugby league Test debut for Australia this Friday after Kangaroos fullback Anthony Minichiello was ruled out of the Anzac Test against New Zealand through injury. Minichiello passed a fitness test on his injured hamstring on Sunday, but has been rubbed out with a lower back concern. The withdrawal has opened the way for 19-year-old Brisbane custodian HUNT to make his international debut.

The call up is expected to cause controversy across the Tasman given Hunt was born in New Zealand but he has frequently stated an ambition to play State of Origin for Queensland, which would also have ruled him out of playing for the Kiwis.