Pig hunting to play-off footy: Meet the Knights Mr Fix-it

Fletcher Hunt was on full alert. Big time. Subscribe now for unlimited access. SAVE $139 All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper All other in your area A wild boar, weighing 100-plus kilograms and with sabre-like tusks, could come charging out of the thick shrub at any second. Knights utility Fletcher Hunter. Picture by Peter Lorimer Think Greg Marzhew, but meaner. Much meaner. Knights players had the weekend off courtesy of a last-round bye and Hunt returned home to Warren. He caught up with mates and did what they normally do - went fishing and pigging. Warren is a small town on the Macquarie River about an hour from Dubbo. Further north-west are the Macquarie Marshes. Feral pig country. "It was good to get home and catch up with mates," Hunt said. "We went out to Oxley, near the marshes. The boys took their dogs and we chased some pigs. The scrub is super thick. There is a heap of water and a heap of pigs. "It was good fun. A little refresh." In the marshes you have to be ready for anything. It is a similar situation for Hunt at the Knights. The towering 20-year-old is the Knights' Mr Fix-it. He has played fullback, left centre, right centre and on both wings. Every time, he has done the job with minimum fuss. It will be the same again on Friday, with Hunt almost certain to be named on the bench for the elimination final against the Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium. "I just want to be playing. I don't care where," Hunt said. The utility role requires Hunt to be across everything. "I'm in every video session," he said. "It's a busy week. I sit in and watch everything. As long as I get my edge stuff right, that's the main thing. "I came down from Warren as a half. I'd also played a bit a hooker, in the centres, wing, fullback. None of it was too foreign to me. "I get heaps more nervous sitting on the bench. You just have to be ready. Ready for anything. "I have good people around me to help ensure that when I do go on anywhere, that I'll do the job." Hunt made his NRL debut on the wing midway through last season and went on to make 12 appearances in the top grade. His 18 games this campaign have been split between bench (five games), centre (eight), fullback (four) and wing (one). Apart from his utility value, Hunt has crossed for 13 tries. A large percentage of those have been from kicks. "Every session we do kick-catch drills," Hunt said. "We dial in on that. "I didn't play any AFL growing up. It's become a big part of my game now. It's one of my strengths. "It comes back to the training and coaching. They've installed a lot of belief in me." Hunt came off the bench, replacing Marzhew (leg), early in the second half of the Knights' defeat to Souths at Accor Stadium on July 12. The Rabbitohs went on to win six of their final nine games to jump to sixth spot, a place above the Knights. "They have some big boys and can score points from anywhere," Hunt said. "They're a good pack. Very hard to handle. But I think it comes back to us on what we can do. "If we play our style of footy, we will get the job done." Fletcher Hunt. Picture by Jonathan Carroll Friday night will be Hunt's first taste of finals football in the NRL. "I'm extremely proud, extremely excited," he said. "When I was at home in Warren and playing for Nyngan, I think we got to one semi maybe. "I was 17. I can't remember who it was against. I remember my debut was against St Pat's in Bathurst. "Friday night is definitely going to be a big challenge, but I think we're ready for it." Hunt's parents Danny and Erin will make the trip from Warren to Sydney. "Mum and dad try to get to most games," Hunt said. "Given it's in Sydney and on Friday, it will be hard for others at home. "There's a few Warren boys playing down in the local comp here. They might get a bus down. "I'm always getting messages, phone calls, and things like that. I have a a great support crew. "I'm very proud of where I come from and grateful that I have a strong community behind me." More from NRL Be the first to know when news breaks. Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. 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