Karmichael Hunt said returning to a "much faster game than the football I'd experienced" in rugby union was one of the major takeaways from the nights that ended his 12-year break from the NRL.
Hunt played the full 80 minutes as Brisbane suffered a 38-16 loss to the Raiders on Saturday night.
After more than a decade playing AFL and rugby union in both Australia and France, all eyes were on Hunt at GIO Stadium.
There was one thing the former Australian and Queensland representative could be assured of adding - experience.
The 34-year-old said while the results this season have been disappointing for the Broncos, there is a chance to salvage something positive from the season.
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"It’s something I have been trying to push over the last week, to remain positive," Hunt told NRL.com.
"We’re obviously not where we want to be, but we can’t kick cans all week, we’ve got to be positive and look on the bright side and have a growth mindset.
"I think the guys tried to do that, but the Raiders played some terrific football and we let them."
The circular nature of his career was not lost on Hunt.
"If you had asked me a couple of months ago or even last year if I was going to ever pull another Broncos jersey on, I would have said you were crazy," he said.
“But to be able to run out here, obviously not the night we wanted, but to be able to play for Kevvie [Walters], to see Lazo [Glenn Lazarus] and Alfie [Langer] all of these others guys who have done the jersey proud and have history with it, it’s a good experience."
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Hunt played the full 80 minutes at GIO Stadium, running seven times for 41 metres, making seven tackles and missing three.
"It could have been better but to be honest coming back to the game after 12 years I didn’t really know what to expect," Hunt said of his return.
"Obviously from what I experienced previously the game is a lot quicker than the football I’ve experienced over the last six or 12 years.
"But again, when it comes down to it, a few simple missed tackles and a few repeat sets put ourselves under pressure and they are in control."
After the game, Brisbane coach Kevin Walters said he is likely to give Hunt an extended run in the No.6 jersey.
While there have been constant changes in the Brisbane halves pairs this season, it is hoped Hunt will add some stability as they prepare for a short turnaround against Souths Sydney on Thursday night.
"I have been one of the older heads at the [NSW] Waratahs for the last couple of years so I have been playing a leadership role there," Hunt said.
"Alex [Glenn] was in his first year when I was in my last year before I went off to the AFL so for him to be the older head now along with me, I know him really well.
"My motivation was to get back to league but with the Broncos it’s a good opportunity for me to help the younger guys."
