Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has launched an impassioned defence of Karmichael Hunt, saying sticking by the code-hopper through his drugs controversy last year was the right thing to do.
Hunt stands to become a dual international if, as expected, he makes his Australia debut in the series opener against England at Suncorp Stadium on June 11.
But there were many who felt the 29-year-old should have been kicked out of the sport when he became embroiled in a cocaine scandal last year, staining his previously lilywhite image as a popular athlete who had already conquered two other codes.
Cheika says he understands those contrary viewpoints, but he believes society as a whole should be more forgiving of people like Hunt, who acknowledge their mistakes and genuinely try to move on.
"Forgiveness is also a very Christian value too," Cheika told reporters.