New Cook Islands head coach and former NRL premiership-winner Karmichael Hunt has revealed that he almost represented the country at the 2021 World Cup before it was postponed due to COVID.

Hunt, who represented Australia in both rugby codes and played AFL for the Gold Coast Suns, told NRL.com how proud he was ahead of the Pacific Championships.

“This is a very special chance to represent half of my heritage,” Hunt said.

“I don’t think it’s very well known that I’m a Cook Islander at all. People know that I am of New Zealand descent and pledged allegiance to Australia, but this is about being able to reconnect with my heritage and my history.

“I came close to playing when I ventured back into league as a player before I retired in 2021.

“I was on my last legs and ‘Sponge’ (Tony Iro) and Alex Glenn were talking to me about it.

“There was an opportunity there, but I don’t know how much help I would have been at that point.”