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Karmichael an option with Brisbane a mess

3 minute read

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters has not ruled out bringing Karmichael Hunt in for his first NRL game in 12 years after their 50-6 flogging by Manly.

Coach KEVIN WALTERS
Coach KEVIN WALTERS Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Brisbane could look to Karmichael Hunt for the answer after coach Kevin Walters accused his team of being soft in their Magic Round horror show against Manly.

The Broncos received some good news on Saturday, with only Jordan Riki facing a ban for a crusher tackle after a whopping six players were put on report.

Riki also faces a fine for his dangerous contact on Morgan Harper in the 50-6 flogging, while Tyson Gamble and Tevita Pangai Junior can escape with monetary penalties.

Regardless, Walters conceded Friday's thrashing was the side's worst performance this year, losing any signs of the progress made.

The Broncos coach also admitted all options were on the table for next week, when Hunt is available to play for the first time outside the squad's top-30 roster.

The 34-year-old has not played in the NRL since way back in 2009, when he left the game to go to the AFL before switching to rugby union.

But he made his return to the code in the Queensland Cup this year, before being called into Brisbane training earlier this month.

Hunt could play in the centres or halves.

"Part of the reason we brought (Hunt) into the group for his experience and knowledge," Walters said.

"So we'll look at that for sure.

"We'll look at everything. We'll consider all players on (Friday night's) performance.

"They're disappointed. We'll have a look at the review."

Not even Hunt in his prime as an NRL player could have saved the Broncos against Manly.

They earned just 40 per cent of the ball and missed 36 tackles as the Sea Eagles played the majority of the game on the Broncos' line.

New captain Jake Turpin played just 33 minutes before being replaced by Danny Levi, with Walters insistent the decision was based solely on getting more minutes into Levi.

But it didn't work with Levi missing six tackles alone, while Gamble went one worse and had seven misses.

"We've made some good progress. But that is our worst performance since I have seen here," Walters said.

"We were a mile away. We started soft and got softer as the game went on.

"It was a terrible night for Broncos people. I feel sorry for all our fans and sponsors."

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