Michael Oakman-Hunt has been handed the chance of a lifetime, named in the matchday squad for the Plus500 Brumbies game against the Highlanders.
The backrow/lock has a strong reputation in ACT Rugby, his performances for the Tuggeranong[Club] and UC [NRC] Vikings meant his name rose to the top of the list when the Brumbies needed cover after Lachy McCaffrey’s injury.
Oakman-Hunt also has a twin brother Dean who has a similar stock in Canberra rugby circles.
Dean moved to Sydney this season to further his rugby dreams and Michael was surprised that his sibling didn’t get the call first.
“I was pretty shocked but also pretty flattered by the opportunity that Dan gave me. I’ve had some pretty good games pre-season, played the Runners game and I think back to back games behind me, I was able to build a bit of form,” Oakman-Hunt explained.
“I’ve been playing first grade rugby in Canberra for the last four years now, I think the progression through the local grades is an important method for rugby players to aspire to go through and we have a great system set up here in Canberra with the NRC and Vikings program helping me out a lot.
“My end goal would be, well it would be an amazing to get a contract out of this or at least further my rugby career out of this, that would be an incredible opportunity. I’d be mad not to take it” he said.
Michael describes himself as a running back rower, loves passing and off-loading as well and is most comfortable in defence, with previous experience playing internationally at schoolboy level, this Highlanders game will potentially be the biggest match of his career.
“It’s funny it’s in New Zealand, I was born over there in Wellington I think that amplifies just how big this game is for me as well, I’ve got my father and that over there and they will potentially be coming to the game. I find I play better when I’ve got less pressure or less eyes on me but I think I’ll be focused on the game more than that this weekend, but this is definitely my biggest game yet” said Oakman-Hunt.
Michael will be a great fit for the team having already played with half of the Brumbies squad in NRC and is looking forward to being a part of the squad for the next few weeks.
You can catch the Highlanders game this Saturday at 5:30pm on Fox Sports
