NRL: Hunt expects no backlash from Broncos

Karmichael Hunt says he isn't expecting any backlash from Brisbane Broncos teammates after stunning the league world by signing with AFL franchise Gold Coast.

Hunt, who has signed a three-year deal with Gold Coast, who join the AFL competition in 2011, said it presented a new sporting challenge he was ready for but he agreed his decision would shock many people.

"They'll be surprised, everyone will be surprised, even I was surprised," said Hunt.

Hunt sent text messages to his Broncos teammates and coach Ivan Henjak before dropping the bombshell news at a Gold Coast media conference yesterday.

The 22-year-old State of Origin and test fullback also sent a text to former Broncos coach Wayne Bennett informing him of his decision.

Hunt said he had given the Broncos his all since he was 17 and didn't expect any bitterness when he returns to training with the NRL club today.

"I don't think there will be any backlash," he said. "They are all my mates and they'll still be my mates.

"I haven't done everything in rugby league but I've done everything I've wanted to do in the game, including playing 11 tests, Origins and winning a grand final."

Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen was taken unawares when news of Hunt's switch was broken on morning television hours before his press conference.

"I was quite shocked," Cullen said. "We've had him since he was 15 and he's been playing with the club for the last five seasons.

"He's a 100-game player now. He's played Origin, he played for Australia, so he's been a success story in a very short period of time."

Cullen admitted it was a "coup" for the AFL.

"Good luck to them - they've snared a fine athlete," he said.

Cullen said he did not believe it would take fans away from league in Brisbane.

"With all due respect, someone will come along and take his place - they may not be immediately as good, but it's two different codes and I think [the fans] will stick with the codes," he said.

Hunt is also considering an overseas stint playing rugby before linking with the Gold Coast outfit next year, when he will likely make his Australian Rules transition in the VFL.

While a stint in Japan has been mooted, Hunt said he had "nothing concrete" arranged overseas to play rugby union in late 2009 and early 2010.

"I've got a window of four to six months to go overseas," he said.

"I'd love to ... why not?"

- AAP