The South Sydney Rabbitohs are pleased to announce the extension of Justin Hunt’s contract for a further two seasons today. Hunt, 23, made his NRL debut two weeks ago against the St George Illawarra Dragons and scored his first NRL try last weekend against the Raiders. A utility back who joined the Rabbitohs this season from the Brisbane Broncos, his efforts at training with the Rabbitohs’ full-time squad and playing for the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup earned him a call up to the South Sydney NRL side as well as a two-year contract extension. Hunt, whose grandfather Jim Hunt played for South Sydney in 1947 and 1948 and whose father Neil played State of Origin for NSW in 1983, says it’s been a dream come true to play for the Rabbitohs. “I’m just stoked to have the opportunity to stay at the Rabbitohs,” Hunt said. “The Club’s awesome, I love the place, and the players and coaching staff are a big part of that. “Pa played for Souths and it’s great to be able to follow in his footsteps at this Club. “I’m just really grateful for the opportunity Souths have given me and I’ll be giving my all for the Club every chance I get to pull on the jersey.” Rabbitohs Head Coach Michael Maguire says this contract extension is a reward for effort for the young utility. “Justin is an exciting young player with genuine speed, and we’ve really seen the gains in his game this year as he gets opportunities to play with quality players around him,” Coach Maguire said. “He’s persisted with his career and he’s taken his opportunity here at the Rabbitohs with both hands and it’s paying dividends for him and the Club. “He’s enthusiastic and always happy, and he’s a great character to have around the team. “We’re all looking forward to working with him for at least the next two-and-a-half years.”

Name: Justin Hunt
Position: Utility back
Junior Club: Currumbin Tugun Seahawks
DOB: 20 September 1988
Height: 182cm
Weight: 90kg
NRL Games: 2 (all for the Rabbitohs)
NRL Points: 4 (1 try for the Rabbitohs)
NRL Debut: Rabbitohs vs Dragons, WIN Jubilee Oval, 20 May 2012 (Rd 11)