Who’s Who in 22, Sport: Cody Hunter

Redcliffe Dolphins halfback Cody Hunter has had a massive 2022, debuting for the Hostplus Cup side, scoring a train and trial contract with the NRL squad and turning 21.

The young gun debuted for the Dolphins on April 30, 2022, and made six appearances this season for the Hostplus Cup side, scoring one try, assisting in four others and kicking 19 goals.

His work ethic and form in the Cup and Colts sides caught the attention of the Dolphins NRL recruitment team who decided to make history in offering him a train and trial contract in July.

Hunter is the first Dolphins junior player to progress to the NRL with the club, which makes its debut in the NRL in 2023.

The move fulfills a promise to develop young players within the club.

About Cody Hunter

For Hunter, the training fields at Dolphins HQ feel like an extension of his backyard and it’s been like that for many years as he’s diligently worked on his kicking game.

Home was just a stone’s throw away at Kippa-Ring, when he was growing up, and the now Scarborough resident is still at Dolphins HQ all the time.

Born and bred on the Redcliffe peninsula, Hunter remarkably has no family ties to rugby league or the club and only started playing the sport because his mates were.

His first game for the Redcliffe Dolphins was a six-year-old playing for under-7s Tate team.

He first dared to dream of playing professionally as a 12-year-old and in 2021 he knew he wanted it and sharpened his focus.

Hunter debuted with the Redcliffe Dolphins’ Colts side in 2019.

Grabbing opportunities

Circumstance gave him an opportunity to play in the Hostplus Cup (Queensland Cup) side this year – with Redcliffe Dolphins captain and halfback Cameron Cullen out due to injury.

Hunter started his train and trial contract with the Dolphins’ NRL squad in November this year ahead of the 2023 season, giving him the opportunity to work on his game full time.

During the preseason, he will train alongside true representative players such Felise Kaufusi, the Bromwich brothers and Origin player Tom Gilbert.

He’s looking forward to learning from the coaching staff and experienced players.

The quietly spoken young gun is grateful for the opportunities he’s had so far and for the people who have supported him along the way.

Former coach Scott Murray, who has now joined the NRL player development team, says Hunter’s work ethic sets him apart.

The 2022 season Hostplus Cup Head Coach often saw Hunter practising his kicking game and goal kicking on the fields by himself in a bid to improve his prospects.