NRL finals hunt is over for Karmichael
Monday, September 3, 2007 - 6:43 PM
Brisbane fullback Karmichael Hunt's bold bid to play in the NRL finals and hold his Test No.1 jumper is over.
New scans on the Broncos star's torn hamstring delivered only bad news for the 20-year-old on Monday, who had been desperate to help an injury-ravaged Brisbane.
"The scans look better but just not good enough to risk bringing him back," said Broncos physiotherapist Rob Godbolt.
"The injury is healing but not sufficiently enough to take part in the finals series.
"It really is going to take the off-season to fully recover and to give him the best chance of not having recurring problems next year."
Cowboys fullback Matt Bowen's Test prospects were boosted after Hunt was ruled out for the rest of the season, although Parramatta sensation Jarryd Hayne's recent form has put pressure on Kangaroo selectors to consider him for the Kiwi Test in October in Wellington.
Hunt, who had two failed comeback attempts, was devastated.
"I'm very upset I won't be able to play again this year," he said.
"I was very keen to come back as soon as possible, especially with the injury crisis the team has been going through in the second half of this season.
"But obviously the scans don't look as good as I had hoped.
"I just have to be patient and continue with my rehabilitation now to make sure I am ready to go in 2008."
Brisbane Test hooker and utility Shaun Berrigan will see a specialist on Tuesday for an updated report after undergoing extensive facial surgery early last month.
But if he does get a medical clearance to play, it would not be until next weekend.
In the meantime, Brisbane will build up for Sunday's finals clash with minor premiers Melbourne with injury clouds over classy centre Justin Hodges (quad cork) and international Tonie Carroll (shoulder).
They will have to quickly forget all about Sunday's demoralising 68-22 loss to Parramatta and focus on a game plan to avoid a heavy loss to Melbourne, who closed out the regular season by putting 50 points on the Titans.
"Anything can happen on the day - that's the beauty of finals football," captain Petero Civoniceva said.
Civoniceva, along with veteran Brad Thorn, Berrigan, Brent Tate and Dane Carlaw, are all leaving the club at the end of the season.
The Broncos will be digging deep to ensure a fitting farewell for their departing teammates.
Source: AAP