Hunt (24) has come to Dunedin to join the Highlanders after four years with the Crusaders and may well slot straight into first five-eighth as the side lines up to start the season on Friday.
‘‘It was a professional decision to try and build on my game. That is just something you have to do at times,’’ he said.
‘‘But it was probably just tougher leaving some good mates. We have such good connections. Some of the guys I have played with since high school. That was probably the toughest thing. But it is a footy career which only lasts a limited time.
‘‘If I was to head overseas and have a real shot at giving my game a crack I would be kicking myself [if I did not make the move]. So I was happy I made the move and can’t wait to get out there and give it a crack.’’
Hunt admitted there was a few tough nights making the decision.
‘‘When you are at such a successful club then of course it is tough to leave, but I think on a personal level I wanted to see what I could do. So getting less than 10 minutes a game... I had to give it a go down here.’’
He had played at Forsyth Barr Stadium before and enjoyed it but it would be great this time to get the fans on his side.
Hunt has Josh Ioane as a rival for the first five-eighth’s jersey but there are suggestions Hunt would start at No10 and Ioane would either play outside him or start the game at fullback.
They have already had a taste of that partnership at training and also during pre-season games.
‘‘Just having that knowledge out there in the field with vision and decision-making, getting that right communication... We have had that chance to do that already and he has been awesome already.’’
Working with All Black halfback Aaron Smith has also been a big buzz and was something Hunt was also looking forward to as the season got under way.
‘‘I have only had the last 10 days working with him but [we’re] already trying to build that combination there and look forward to it in a game sense.’’
Having played well for Tasman in its domestic title victory last year, Hunt would be one of the leaders on the field should he get a run.
The former New Zealand Colt said it was something he was comfortable with.
‘‘I guess you have to, anyway, as a 10. I guess coming down it was about trying to earn respect first through some hard work in the pre-season. And now that the games are starting to flow that is how you put that leadership hat on as a 10.’’