League: Kiwis in the hunt for Karmichael

Brisbane youngster Karmichael Hunt appears to be wavering in his decision to sidestep playing for the Kiwis.

Until now the 19-year-old has insisted he wanted to play State of Origin for Queensland and, ultimately, Australia rather than the country of his birth but the Kiwis' stunning win in last year's Tri-Nations and some not-too-subtle pressure from friend Benji Marshall seems to be gaining some traction.

"If they offer me a position, obviously I would consider it. I wouldn't just say no," Hunt told Big League magazine. "I'm pretty focused on playing for the Broncos and Origin but if the opportunity arises and they ask me I definitely will consider it."

Marshall and Hunt played together at schoolboy level in Queensland and with Hunt having shifted from his regular position of fullback into the halves for the Broncos, a dream parternship with Marshall is not out of the question.

The Kiwis face Australia in the Anzac test in Brisbane on May 5 and reports have suggested Kiwis coach Brian McClennan and New Zealand Rugby League vice-chairman Selwyn Bennett will try to meet Hunt while the pair are in Australia for the launch of the 2006 representative season next week.

Broncos coach and former Australia and Queensland coach Wayne Bennett has been a long-time supporter of the international game and was hopeful Hunt was considering his options.

"If the coach [McClennan] wants to talk to him, I'd support that," Bennett said. "We're always trying to encourage players who are eligible to represent New Zealand to make themselves available for the Kiwis."

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Selwyn Bennett has been elected to take over as NZRL chairman from Selwyn Pearson, who stepped down after five years in the post.

Bennett, who was vice-chairman, stood against Christchurch's Bruce Milne for the position and won through after a vote of the 15 districts and seven affiliates.

Keith Burgess, also from Christchurch, was elected on to the board to fill the vacancy left by Pearson.

Pearson's reign has been a successful one with the game in good shape financially, as well as on the playing field, and he is likely to take up a position as NZRL chief executive in the near future.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY