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Royce Hunt
Royce Hunt
from Wikipedia

Royce Hunt (born 13 August 1995) is a Samoa international rugby league footballer who plays as a prop for the Wests Tigers in the National Rugby League (NRL).

Key Information

Hunt previously played for the Canberra Raiders and Cronulla Sharks in the NRL.

Early life

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Hunt was born in Liverpool, Sydney and is of Samoan, Hawaiian and Maori descent.[citation needed] He was educated at Kalgoorlie State High School.[citation needed]

Hunt played his junior rugby league for the Willagee Bears and Goldfields Titans in the Western Australia Rugby League, before being signed by the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.[citation needed]

Arriving at Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Hunt attended Bass High School and represented the 2013 Australian Schoolboys.[2]

Playing career

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Early career

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In 2014 and 2015, Hunt played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs' NYC team.[3] In 2016, he joined the Mount Pritchard Mounties in the Intrust Super Premiership NSW.[4] After impressing for the Mounties, he gained a contract with the Canberra Raiders for 2017.[5]

2017

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In round 14 of the 2017 NRL season, Hunt made his NRL debut for Canberra against the Penrith Panthers.[6][7]

2018

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Hunt made no first grade appearances for Canberra in the 2018 NRL season instead playing for Mounties in the Canterbury Cup NSW competition.[8]

2019

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Hunt made no appearances for Canberra in the 2019 NRL season. Hunt instead played against for Mounties in the Canterbury Cup NSW competition as they qualified for the finals finishing in 6th place. Hunt played in Mounties elimination final loss against Newtown at Campbelltown Stadium.[9][10]

Hunt playing for the Newtown Jets in 2022

On 13 October, it was announced that Hunt had been released by Canberra.[11]

2020

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In early 2020, Hunt signed a contract to join Cronulla-Sutherland for the 2020 NRL season.[12]

In round 8 of the 2020 NRL season, Hunt scored his first try for Cronulla-Sutherland and his first in the top grade as Cronulla defeated the Gold Coast 40–10 at Cbus Super Stadium.[13]

In round 19 against the Sydney Roosters, Hunt was taken from the field during the second half of the game with a leg injury. It was later revealed Hunt had dislocated his right kneecap.[14]

2021

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Hunt played only two games for Cronulla in the 2021 NRL season which saw the club narrowly miss the finals by finishing 9th on the table.[15]

2022

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Hunt played a total of 19 games for Cronulla in the 2022 NRL season as the club finished second on the table. Hunt played in Cronulla's qualifying final loss to North Queensland but did not feature in Cronulla's elimination semi-final loss to South Sydney.[16]

Hunt on international duty with Samoa in 2022

In October Hunt was named in the Samoa squad for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.[17] Hunt played for Samoa in their 2021 Rugby League World Cup final loss to Australia.[18]

2023

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Hunt represented New Zealand Māori all stars team as starting prop, losing against the Australian Indigenous team, 28–24.

In round 3 of the 2023 NRL season, Hunt was sent to the sin bin during Cronulla's 24–20 loss against Canberra for punching Corey Horsburgh.[19] Following the match, Hunt spoke with the media and accused Horsburgh of hiding behind other players. Hunt went on to say “As Ricky Stuart would say, he's a weak-gutted dog, We'll get him next game, I have never seen a front-rower hide behind a halfback, You can't just hold me in and push me over and not expect anything. I was a bit upset about that".[20] Hunt played a total of 20 games for Cronulla in the 2023 NRL season as Cronulla finished sixth on the table. Hunt played in the clubs 13–12 upset loss against the Sydney Roosters which ended their season.[21]

2024

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On 18 March, it was announced that Hunt would miss at least 2-4 weeks with a calf injury.[22] On 3 September, Hunt was granted a release from his final year of his contract to join a three-year deal with the Wests Tigers for the 2025 season.[23][24]

2025

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In round 1 of the 2025 NRL season, Hunt made his club debut for the Wests Tigers against Newcastle.[25] Hunt played 16 matches for the Wests Tigers in the 2025 NRL season as the club finished 13th on the table.[26]

Statistics

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NRL

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*denotes season competing[1]
Season Team Matches T G GK % F/G Pts
2017 Canberra Raiders 1 0 0 0 0
2020 Cronulla-Sutherland 14 1 0 0 4
2021 2 0 0 0 0
2022 19 3 0 0 12
2023 20 3 8
2024 20 1 4
2025 Wests Tigers 16 2 8
2026
Career totals 91 10 0 0 40

All Star

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Season Team Matches T G GK % F/G Pts
2022 Māori All Stars 1 0 0 0 0
Career totals 1 0 0 0 0

International

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Season Team Matches T G GK % F/G Pts
2022 Samoa 5 1 0 0 4
Career totals 6 1 0 0 4

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Royce Hunt (born 13 August 1995) is a professional footballer who plays as a for the in the (NRL), standing at 192 cm and weighing 114 kg. A international with six match appearances, including five at the 2022 where he scored one try, Hunt has established himself as a powerful bench forward known for his size, aggression, and impact off the interchange. He has represented the All Stars, including in 2022 and 2025, reflecting his mixed Samoan and heritage through his father and mother, respectively. Born in , Hunt moved to , , at age one with his family, where his father Rob, a former high-level player in , instilled a passion for the sport despite the region's dominance in . Growing up with sporty siblings Drew, Layne, and Paige, and as a to former and Queensland Maroons star , he played juniors for the Goldfields Titans and Willagee Bears before relocating to at 15 to join the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs' development system. Married to Shavaun with a four-year-old son named Wolf (as of 2025), Hunt's personal life remains grounded in family amid his professional demands. Hunt made his NRL debut on 10 June 2017 with the against the , appearing in one game that season before joining the in 2020, where he played over 70 matches and contributed to two finals appearances. Granted a release from the final year of his Sharks contract, he signed a three-year deal with the starting in 2025, making 16 appearances and scoring two tries in his debut season for the club while accumulating 970 running metres. Across 92 NRL games to date, Hunt has scored 10 tries and maintained a 56.52% win rate, transitioning from reserve grade (98 appearances, 21 tries) to a key rotational player in the competition.

Early years

Background and family

Royce Hunt was born on 13 August 1995 in , a suburb of , , . Hunt is of Samoan and descent, with his father being Samoan and his mother from . His family, which includes four children with Hunt as the youngest, relocated from to in when he was just one year old, prompted by his parents' work opportunities in the region. Hunt grew up with his three older siblings, Drew, Layne, and Paige, all involved in sports, and is a cousin to former and Queensland Maroons player . His father, Rob, who had played at a high level in , significantly influenced his early interest in the sport by providing dedicated support during his childhood activities. Growing up in the remote mining town of , Hunt gained his initial exposure to through the local community, participating in junior games with the Goldfields Titans under-7s team. This environment, far from major hubs, shaped his formative years and fostered a strong connection to the game from an early age.

Junior career

Royce Hunt began his organized career in , playing his early junior football for the Goldfields Titans in the under-7s competition before progressing to the Willagee Bears in Perth, where he made regular 12-hour round trips from his home in to participate. https://nrlwa.com.au/goldfields-to-the-theatre-of-dreams-the-royce-hunt-journey/ https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-20/royce-hunt-kalgoorlie-wa-to-nrl-finals-cronulla-/104359832 These travels highlighted the limited opportunities in the Goldfields region, prompting Hunt's selection to represent at the national junior championships, where his performances caught the attention of Sydney-based clubs. https://nrlwa.com.au/goldfields-to-the-theatre-of-dreams-the-royce-hunt-journey/ At age 15, influenced by his family's heritage, Hunt relocated to and joined the ' junior development program, attending Bass High School while integrating into their competitive pathway. https://www.sharks.com.au/news/2020/06/19/hunt-takes-the-road-less-traveled-to-sharks-debut/ https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-20/royce-hunt-kalgoorlie-wa-to-nrl-finals-cronulla-/104359832 He quickly advanced through the Bulldogs' ranks, contributing to their (under-16s) premiership win and featuring prominently in the 2013 SG Ball Cup (under-19s) season, where he scored multiple tries in finals matches and was named among the team's standout performers. https://www.kalminer.com.au/news/goldfields/brothers-on-nrl-radar-ng-ya-337915 https://www.bulldogs.com.au/news/2013/04/16/junior-representative-update--finals-week-1/ https://www.bulldogs.com.au/news/2013/04/08/junior-representative-round-9-update/ Hunt continued his development with the Bulldogs' National Youth Competition (NYC) team in 2014 and 2015, gaining exposure in under-20s matches that honed his skills against top junior talent. https://www.sharks.com.au/news/2020/06/19/hunt-takes-the-road-less-traveled-to-sharks-debut/ During this period, he earned selection for the 2013 Australian Schoolboys team, a key milestone that underscored his potential at the representative youth level. https://nrlwa.com.au/goldfields-to-the-theatre-of-dreams-the-royce-hunt-journey/ In 2016, seeking further opportunities, Hunt transitioned to the ' development pathway by joining their feeder club, the Mount Pritchard Mounties, in the Intrust Super Premiership NSW, where he played reserve-grade games to build toward a top-tier contract. https://www.sharks.com.au/news/2020/06/19/hunt-takes-the-road-less-traveled-to-sharks-debut/ https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nsw-cup-2016/mount-pritchard-mounties/summary.html

Club career

Early professional career

Hunt joined the ' development system in 2016 through their Cup affiliate, the Mount Pritchard Mounties. Transitioning to semi-professional , he spent the next four seasons (2016–2019) developing in the reserve-grade competition, playing 83 games and scoring 20 tries. His debut season with the Mounties in 2016 saw him establish himself as a robust . In 2017, Hunt had a notable performance with a of tries in a match against the , where he powered over from close range. In 2018, Hunt continued to impress with a barge-over try against the , highlighting his strength in tight exchanges. These outings showcased his ability to gain metres through the middle, often averaging strong carry totals in key games, though specific per-game metrics from early reserve-grade play emphasized his growing tackle efficiency in defensive sets. Hunt's consistent reserve-grade form in 2017 caught the attention of Raiders head coach , leading to his NRL debut in 2017 and a full NRL contract extending into 2019. However, he faced significant challenges in breaking into , receiving limited opportunities amid stiff competition in the prop rotation, with just one appearance total. Frustrated by the lack of top-level exposure after three years in the system, Hunt sought a release from the final year of his Raiders contract in early 2020, which was granted to allow him to pursue greater playing time elsewhere. Throughout this period, Hunt dedicated off-season training to enhancing his physical attributes as a , focusing on building explosive power and endurance to better suit the demanding front-row role, which laid the foundation for his later NRL success.

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

Royce Hunt signed a one-year contract with the in March 2020, joining the club after a limited stint with the . He quickly established himself in the forward pack, playing 14 games in his debut season and scoring his first NRL try in Round 8 against the Gold Coast Titans. In July 2020, Hunt agreed to a two-year extension, securing his place at the club through 2022. The 2021 season proved challenging for Hunt, as a serious sustained late in 2020 limited him to just two appearances, both off the bench, while the finished ninth and narrowly missed . He returned in Round 19 against the after 10 months on the sidelines, contributing to the team's forward rotation in a hard-fought 20-18 loss. Despite the setback, Hunt's physical presence helped bolster the ' middle during a season where their pack ranked highly in defensive efforts. Hunt's form surged in , where he played 19 games primarily from the interchange bench, averaging increased minutes and recording a personal best of 690 post-contact metres, showcasing his powerful running style. His robust carries and work rate were key to the ' strong campaign, finishing second on the ladder and advancing to the preliminary finals after a qualifying final win over South Sydney. In August , Hunt signed a one-year extension to remain with Cronulla through 2023, recognizing his emergence as a reliable middle forward. By 2023, Hunt had transitioned into a starting role for much of the season, featuring in 20 games and scoring three tries, including powerful efforts against and Broncos that highlighted his damaging impact. He started in the ' Week 1 finals clash against the , contributing to their competitive elimination final performance amid a top-four finish. Hunt's consistency in the middle earned praise as one of the NRL's premier s, with his aggressive defence and metre-gaining runs strengthening the ' pack structure. In 2024, Hunt continued as a key starter, playing all 20 regular-season games and scoring one try while helping the secure a fifth-place finish and a finals berth. He featured off the bench in their Week 1 elimination final loss to the . In May 2023, he had committed to the club with a two-year extension through 2025, but in September 2024, following the season, Hunt was granted a release from the final year of his contract to join the . Over his tenure from 2020 to 2024, Hunt appeared in 75 games for the , scoring 8 tries and playing a pivotal role in their forward pack's evolution into one of the league's most formidable units, particularly in metres gained and tackle efficiency.

Wests Tigers

In September 2024, Royce Hunt signed a three-year contract with the , effective from the 2025 NRL season, after being released early from his deal with the . Hunt joined the Tigers amid their ongoing rebuild, integrating into the forward rotation as an experienced prop to strengthen the pack. Drawing briefly on his prior foundation at the , he played 16 first-grade games in 2025, helping the team secure a mid-table 13th-place finish. His contributions included 2 tries, 21 tackle breaks, an average of 4.7 hit-ups per game, and 1 offload, with total post-contact metres exceeding 440. Early in the season, Hunt spent time in the reserves (7 appearances) as he adapted to the new environment, but he returned to the NRL side and showed statistical gains in hit-ups and offloads by mid-year. Key moments in 2025 highlighted Hunt's impact, including a standout performance on September 6 where he scored two tries—his first career double—in a match that underscored his role in the forward effort. No major injuries sidelined him during the season, allowing consistent involvement despite the Tigers' challenges with overall pack cohesion and team struggles in a competitive rebuild phase. Hunt emerged as a leader among the younger forwards, providing guidance in high-pressure games. With his contract secured through the end of , Hunt's continued adaptation and performances position him as a key figure in the Tigers' push for improved results, with potential for an extended stay if he builds on his 2025 contributions.

Representative career

Māori All Stars

Royce Hunt is eligible to represent the All Stars due to his heritage, stemming from his parental lineage. He received his first selection for the team in 2022 while playing for the . Hunt made his debut for the Māori All Stars on 12 February 2022, starting on the interchange bench in the annual exhibition match against the Indigenous All Stars at CommBank Stadium in . As a in the forward pack, he entered the game as a substitute and contributed with a couple of strong runs through the middle, helping to maintain momentum in a 16-10 victory for the Māori side. The All Stars fixture serves as a culturally significant pre-season event that celebrates Māori heritage and fosters community pride, with Hunt emphasizing its role in deepening his personal connection to his roots despite the demands of NRL preparation. He has described the experience as feeling "in my bones," highlighting the honor of donning the green and white jersey alongside other forwards. Hunt earned subsequent selections for the All Stars in 2023, 2024, and 2025, making his fourth appearance in the February 15, 2025, match at CommBank Stadium, where he played prop from the interchange bench in a 10-6 victory over the Indigenous All Stars. These repeated honors reflect his growing impact within the squad while balancing representative duties with club commitments.

Samoa international

Royce Hunt, born in to parents of Samoan, Hawaiian, and descent, opted to represent internationally, aligning with his Samoan heritage despite eligibility for through his lineage. Hunt received his first call-up to the national team in September 2022, when he was named in the 24-man squad for the . In the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, Samoa played six matches, reaching the final for the first time in their history; Hunt featured in five (missing the pool opener against England). He played 37 minutes against Greece, scoring his sole international try in a 72–4 victory; 40 minutes against France in a 62–4 win; 36 minutes in the 20–18 quarter-final win over Tonga; a full 45 minutes in the 27–26 golden-point semi-final victory over England; and 30 minutes in the 30–10 final loss to Australia. Across these games, Hunt gained 421 metres and completed 105 tackles at 96.3% efficiency, contributing to Samoa's strong forward pack that helped secure notable upsets, including the semi-final run. As of November 2025, Hunt has earned six international caps for , scoring one try and accumulating four points, with no goals. Following the , Hunt was selected for the 2023 Pacific Championships, where he played in Samoa's 28–22 loss to , marking his only post- test appearance to date.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Royce Hunt has played 92 games in the (NRL) across his professional club career, scoring 10 tries with no goals or recorded assists. His reserve-grade appearances total 98 games and 21 tries in the () and equivalent competitions. Key performance metrics, such as average hit-ups (carries originating from the play-the-ball), post-contact metres (distance advanced after initial defensive contact), tackle efficiency (percentage of successful tackles from attempts), and offloads (passes made after receiving contact), highlight his role as a prop forward emphasizing go-forward work and defensive solidity. These statistics are aggregated below by club and season where data is available, focusing on NRL play unless noted.

NRL Career Breakdown by Club and Season

Club/SeasonGames PlayedTriesNotes on Key Metrics
(2017)10Limited appearance; no advanced metrics available.
(2020)141Early NRL exposure; specific metrics not detailed in records.
(2021)20Rookie season; reserve-grade focus with (part of 8 total reserve games, 1 try across 2020-2024).
(2022)193Solid rotation player; contributed to forward pack workload.
(2023)2031,584 total run metres (average 79.2 per game); 285 tackles made ( 14.3 per game). Tackle not specified for season.
(2024)201Consistent starter; reserve appearances with .
Sharks Total (2020-2024)758Primary club tenure; emphasized metres gained and tackle completion.
(2025)162970 total run metres ( 60 per game); 444 post-contact metres; 4.7 hit-ups; 21 tackle breaks; 1 offload; 164 tackles made, 16 missed (91.1% ).
Overall NRL Totals92100 goals, 0 assists; career averages reflect role with ~60-80 run metres per game and high tackle involvement.

Reserve-Grade Statistics (Pre-2021 Focus)

Hunt's early professional development occurred primarily in reserve grades before his sustained NRL breakthrough. He amassed 83 games and 20 tries with the Mount Pritchard Mounties (Raiders affiliate) from 2016 to 2019, building physicality for higher levels. Additional reserve play included 8 games and 1 try with (Sharks affiliate) in 2020, 2022, and 2024, plus 7 games (0 tries) with in 2025, where he recorded 243 post-contact metres, 14 tackle breaks, 4 offloads, and 81 tackles made. These appearances (total 98 games, 21 tries) underscore his progression from junior to elite competition without significant goal-kicking or assist contributions.

Representative statistics

Royce Hunt has appeared in four matches for the All Stars between 2022 and 2025, accumulating 268 run metres, four tackle breaks, and two offloads while completing 55 tackles at a 94.83% efficiency rate. His performance in these exhibition games highlights consistent forward contributions, averaging 67 run metres and 13.75 tackles per match, with no tries scored. For Samoa, Hunt earned six caps, including five during the 2022 where he scored one try and totaled 421 run metres across the tournament, and one appearance in the 2024 test series against (first test, Samoa L 18-34). He featured in all group stage and knockout matches of the , demonstrating strong defensive output with 105 tackles completed at a 96.3% efficiency rate and three offloads. No further appearances were recorded in the 2024 Pacific Championships or 2025 events, despite being named in extended squads.
Match (2022 World Cup)OpponentResultMinutesTriesRun MetresTackles/MissedEfficiencyOffloadsHit-Ups
Group BW 72-4~80110214/0100%09
Group BW 62-4~80012116/0100%012
Quarter-finalW 20-18~8009824/292.3%09
Semi-finalW 27-26~6004829/196.7%15
FinalL 30-10~6004922/195.7%27
Hunt's aggregated representative metrics underscore his role as a workhorse , averaging 84.2 run metres, 21 tackles, and 8.4 hit-ups per full game across ten total appearances (All Stars and internationals), with a career tackle efficiency of 95.7% and four offloads. These figures reflect his emphasis on metres gained through the middle (166 post-contact metres in play) and reliable go-forward ball.
CategoryMāori All Stars (4 Games)Samoa International (6 Games)
Total Run Metres268421+ (WC) + additional in 2024
Average Tackles13.7521 (WC avg)
Tackle Efficiency94.83%96.3% (WC)
Offloads23 (WC)
Tackle Breaks4N/A (18 total in WC)

References

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