‘Not a first grader’: Braith Anasta savages Karmichael Hunt

NRL experts have offered a brutal appraisal of Brisbane’s prodigal son Karmichael Hunt, questioning his first grade credentials after a quiet first half against the Rabbitohs on Thursday night.

Hunt, who notched 125 Broncos appearances before embarking on AFL and rugby union careers, rejoined his old side on a train-and-trial deal earlier this year.

The 34-year-old played his first game for the club in more than a decade last weekend, as Brisbane succumbed to the Raiders in the nation’s capital.

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After he was named to partner Tyson Gamble in the halves for Thursday night’s match, Fox League commentator Braith Anasta questioned whether Hunt was able to withstand the rigours of the modern game.

“I applaud Karmichael for making it back here because it’s been a long journey and he’s done an amazing job to get there,” the 2004 Premiership-winner said.

“If I’m being brutally honest, I don’t think he’s a first grader.

“I called his game last week against Canberra and, again I know that’s a bit harsh, but I think he’s lucky to be (playing first grade).

“I know he’s got that leadership quality and he’s got to get the game plan on and that could help in a young team and an unsuccessful team so far.

“But in terms of his capabilities, they’re nowhere near where they used to be.”

Anasta’s predictions came to fruition in Thursday night’s first stanza.

Hunt, playing at five-eighth, put in zero kicks in the first 40 at Suncorp Stadium and recorded just one run for six metres gained.

The 2006 Premiership-winner’s quiet night at the office led commentators to wonder whether this halves combination — Brisbane’s seventh of the season — was the one to salvage the side’s season.

“I’m not quite sure where they are headed with Karmichael Hunt at six,” Fox League commentator Andrew Voss said in the first half.

“Through 28 minutes, I’m not seeing any impact in the side at all.”

“It is a stopgap measure but really … I don’t think it’s doing anything for the team, for the Broncos,” added Panthers legend Greg Alexander.

“Doesn’t matter how bad you think Brodie Croft was travelling, I think Croft would be a more dangerous proposition with the football than Karmichael Hunt.”

Rabbitohs magician Cody Walker sent an emphatic message to Blues coach Brad Fittler about his State of Origin credentials with a scintillating exhibition of his skills in a record breaking 46-0 win over the Broncos.

NSW will not be changing their winning halves combination of Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary but Walker’s performance against Brisbane had Blues advisor and Fox Sports commentator Greg Alexander hailing the 31-year-old as the game’s best ball player.

If an injury should strike either of the Blues halves, Walker will be ready for a NSW recall after having a hand in four Rabbitohs tries.

The Blues have a nervous wait for the availability of NSW prop Payne Haas who was put on report for a crusher tackle on Mark Nicholls in the 62nd minute after earlier being put on report for a high tackle on Cameron Murray.

South Sydney’s win took them to the joint lead of the NRL on 24 points with the Storm and Panthers and was their biggest ever over the Broncos.

It was a fitting way for coach Wayne Bennett to celebrate his 200th game as a coach at Suncorp Stadium against his former club.

It was a wretched night for Brisbane with Haas’s woes compounded by unwanted second-rower Tevita Pangai Jnr being put on report for a crusher tackle – also on Murray – and Jesse Arthars, Selwyn Cobbo and John Asiata all failing HIAs. Asiata was stretchered from the field mid-way through the second half after a head clash.

Walker sorcery

The Rabbitohs’ first try was a dazzler with a subtle and scintillating flick pass from Walker back inside for Latrell Mitchell to score.

“Sorcery from the Rabbitohs,” Fox Sports commentator Andrew Voss exclaimed.

Alexander, also on commentary, concurred and had high praise for Walker.

“I have not seen one like that. That is magic play by the bloke I think is the best ball player in the game at the moment,” he said.

Walker was at it again with a classic left side play to send Dane Gagai over with a revamped Broncos defensive line, after losing Arthars to an HIA, unable to cope.

He continued on his merry way in the second half and toyed with the Broncos defence at will.

Bennett’s ghost

Rabbitohs coach Bennett continues to haunt the club that sacked him in 2018, and in particular the board that hitched their wagon to Anthony Seibold’s star as the supposed career coach to usher in a new era. That proved to be a disaster and three years later the Broncos have to face the fact that their decision to part ways with Bennett was a huge mistake.

Bennett had a 63.7 per cent win rate in his 631 games at the helm of the Broncos, and at his spiritual home of Suncorp Stadium, brought up his 40th win as Rabbitohs mentor at an even better strike rate of 64.5 per cent.

Hours before the game, Bennett spoke at the Brisbane Club to a packed out crowd who hung off his every word and no doubt wished he had never left the club that he built and won six premierships with.

It was South Sydney’s fourth win from five games under Bennett against Brisbane, with each victory a dagger to his former club’s heart.

Alex the ace

Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston became the competition’s leading try scorer with 17 after a classy double against the Broncos, overtaking Storm flyer Josh Addo-Carr’s mark of 16. After scoring hat-tricks in his previous two games, the South Sydney speedster now has eight tries in his last three games. The Rabbitoh’s left-side attack had far too much heat for the Broncos to handle.

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