Dane Gagai has only been training at the Redfern for six weeks but his influence has already had a major impact on South Sydney Rabbitohs outside back Hymel Hunt.
After featuring in 25 games for the Grand Old Club over the past two season, Hunt is aiming to kick on with his progress - and the arrival of the Kangaroo Rugby League World Cup winner and Wally Lewis medal winner is helping his progress.
“I’ve already learnt heaps off [Gagai],” said Hunt.
“Especially in defence, he’s quite patient and sometimes that’s the hardest thing about being a centre is being patient in defence and he’s helped me with that already.”
Having going through a difficult couple of years with injuries, Hunt is ready to kick off in 2018 and believes that he is in the best condition of his career.
Hymel Hunt“I’ve been unlucky with injuries the last two years but my body is feeling amazing. It’s the best I’ve ever felt and I can’t wait for the upcoming season.”
The 24-year-old has been pleased with the rise in competition at training and has been particularly impressed with the young players coming through.
“It’s been tough but with all the boys its makes a little bit easier but it’s been good all the younger boys have been pushing all of us middle aged boys and the older boys it’s been fun I’m enjoying it.”
“Young Jenko [Robert Jennings], Sifa [Siosifa Talakai], Burnsy [Braidon Burns], we’ve got a few good young boys coming up and without them pushing us we can’t keep improving,” said Hunt.
Along with getting to know his new teammates, Hunt is also fast becoming accustomed to the new coaching setup and can’t wait to see how the new styles and methods implemented at training pay off.
“Seibs [Anthony Seibold] is awesome and all the new staff,” Hunt added. “Everything is good, it’s so professional and I love all the new things and how everything is set in place.
“I just want to get into that Round 1 side, take it week by week and put my best foot forward.”
