The Highlanders first five has declared he is fit, healthy and absolutely frothing to return to Super Rugby action after the toughest spell of his career.
Hunt (27) has not kicked a ball in anger since a nasty head clash with Richard Kahui during a game against the Force at Forsyth Barr Stadium last May, followed by months of uncertainty over ongoing head/neck issues.
He missed the entire NPC for Tasman before getting the all-clear, and he has been steadily working his way back into full training duties for the Highlanders.
"It’s obviously been a tricky year, just trying to work some things out," Hunt said yesterday.
"I’m now back into everything fulltime. It’s been great. I’m loving it, and feeling really confident about getting into some proper rugby.
"I’ve done PBs in fitness, my strength is good, and physically I’m feeling great. And my mental confidence is only building."
Hunt is a classy and experienced operator but that took confidence took a significant dive last year.
He had come off the bench — Sam Gilbert made a surprise start in the No 10 jersey — against the Force when he went to scoop up a ball and conked heads with the upright Kahui.
It was a scary moment in itself, but Hunt has revealed his medical issues had already been a concern following previous concussions.
"There had been symptoms for about eight months before. So that incident was really just the straw that broke the camel’s back, I suppose.
"There was a lot of concern and worry. I really had to ask a few deeper questions about what was going on with me.
"Just a ton of worry, I suppose. And you hear stories of older players going through tough times, and you see articles about these lawsuits happening overseas ... it’s a big topic.
"I’m only 27, but even thoughts of post-career come into your head.
"There was lots of time thinking about what was going on. First thing in the morning, and last thing at night, and that concern does sort of bog you down.
"I’ve been really fortunate with the medical support since then to really dig deep and make sure I am all good.
"It was pretty scary at the time. But I’m feeling great and I’ve got the all-clear, and I am feeling awesome about getting back into my footy career."
Hunt does not have to look far for an example of a player who dealt with head injuries and came through the other side.
He has had a couple of informal chats with new assistant coach Ben Smith, the Highlanders great who dealt with repeat bouts of concussion later in his career.
Feeling physically good is one thing, but Hunt knows he needs to fully test his confidence when he gets back on the field.
"That’s the one thing I’ve noticed over the past couple of months — that sort of confidence shift — because I was probably on a bit of a negative snowball last year.
"I’ve turned a massive leaf. It’s been great to get into some hard physical work and come out of it feeling great, and just doing small things has been huge for my confidence."
Hunt joined the Highlanders from the old enemy in 2020, and was the club’s most valuable player in 2021.
His form dipped last year — the whole team, to be fair, misfired at times — and it seems the head issues were a factor.
"It’s not an excuse for form, because there were parts of my game I didn’t have a great year with, but I definitely started to notice little bits and pieces that were not in my character on the footy field.
"I was at the point where things were only going to get worse if I didn’t find out what was going on.
"It’s not the sole reason why I probably wasn’t at my best, but it was a contributing factor in there somewhere."
Hunt, who is targeting a return in the Highlanders’ opening preseason game against the Crusaders in Weston on February 10, hopes to reclaim the No 10 jersey as his own.
He has elder statesman Marty Banks to compete with, but also Otago tyro Cam Millar, and wider squad members Finn Hurley and Ajay Faleafaga.
"There’s a nice wee group of first fives floating around. We’ve sort of been out doing some kicking at 8am before trainings, and doing lots of little extras.
"That group of young guys are going to be massive for Highlanders rugby for a long time. There’s some great talent there.
"My goal is to have that 10 jersey and I’m just so excited to get back out there."
Hunt is off contract after this year, but has been too busy focusing on his comeback to think about where he will be in 2024.
