Rugby: Hunt set to start at 10 for Reds

Karmichael Hunt of the Reds. Photo / Getty Images

Karmichael Hunt is the frontrunner to play first five-eighths in Queensland's Super Rugby opener against the Brumbies on Friday night, coach Richard Graham has confirmed.

Hunt starred at No.10 in Friday night's 35-12 pre-season trial win over the Crusaders and looks to have done enough to retain the jersey heading into his official debut for the Reds.

Five-eighth has been Queensland's problem position since a pre-season collarbone injury to Quade Cooper but Hunt's encouraging performance,e which even drew praise from his direct opponent, New Zealand great Dan Carter, has eased Graham's headaches.

"I was really pleased with his performance," Graham said.

"I thought he was very clear in his communication and was decisive and as a consequence we got on the front foot.

"Certainly having trained there with us last week and played he is the frontrunner."

Injury looms as Hunt's only obstacle, after the code-hopper pulled up sore on Friday night with a corked quad and a minor groin strain.

But Graham expects the 29-year-old to present himself fit, ready and undaunted by the prospect of resuming his rugby career in a relatively unfamiliar role.

"I've talked about his professionalism within the program but just his mental resilience to handle situations ... he demonstrated that the other night," Graham said.

"From being a 17-year-old kid playing NRL, to playing Test and Origin football, a Heineken Cup final for Biarritz, kicking a winning goal for the Suns ... his first game at No.10 (was) against Dan Carter, arguably the best No.10 in the world over the last 10 years.

"He handled that well.

"I've got no problems if I name him at 10 this weekend because he'll get the job done for us."

Hunt's only competitor is James O'Connor, who is over the injury and illness issues that kept him from turning out for the Reds in pre-season.

Youngster Duncan Paia'aua appears to have been relegated to a bench option after failing to stake his claim in Queensland's first trial.

O'Connor has three games of Test experience for the Wallabies at first five-eighths but will most likely play on the wing if Graham opts to keep Hunt at pivot.

Graham said he was keeping his options open.

"I think people judged him fairly harshly on the back of a huge series there against the British and Irish Lions," Graham said of O'Connor.

"For us, we've got a system in place that would allow him to be a little bit freer."

Another Reds recruit, veteran Kiwi forward Adam Thomson, is also in line to make his Super Rugby return on Friday night.

- AAP