AFL-bound Karmichael Hunt hears the criticism but he couldn't care less.
The criticism about his jaw-dropping decision to quit the NRL and play AFL -- a sport in which he has played only a handful of games as a Brisbane schoolboy.
The criticism of his decision to play rugby union in France before beginning his AFL quest.
But he says he does not lose any sleep at night.
"Criticism? That's unusual," he laughs while speaking to The Gold Coast Bulletin from France.
"Look, people have criticised me my whole career. When I made my (AFL) announcement there were critics.
"And people have obviously criticised my decision to play in France but I can do nothing about this nor am I going to lose sleep over it."
In these exclusive photos obtained by The Bulletin, which were taken just before his departure to France, Hunt certainly looks the part as an AFL footballer.
But whether he can make the dramatic transformation remains to be seen.
One of the major criticisms of the switch of codes has been the lack of lead up time he will have before making his AFL debut with the Gold Coast Football Club in 2011.
He will not return home and link up with the club until May.
And GCFC coach Guy McKenna recently said Hunt may only play two VFL games in 2010 because of the wear and tear on his body after two consecutive seasons of NRL and rugby union.
But Hunt said he did not think it would be a problem.
"I've got just under a year to get ready ... I think that's plenty of time," he said.
"They (the GCFC coaches) have left me to my own devices here in France.
"I guess they have got respect for me as a professional and know I'll use my time over here wisely in both training for rugby and practising with the Sherrin."
While the Sherrin is packed with him, he admits it is yet to see the light of day in Paris.
"The Sherrin was in the suitcase but it's yet to be pumped up," he said.
"I'll give it some air and a boot sometime in the next few weeks"
Hunt does not know what the future holds but feels ready for it after what has been the most hectic period of his life.
"The past six months have been action-packed for me with the success of Origin, footy with the Broncs and obviously the announcement on my future and also the move to France," he said.
"Something exciting has been happening every week for me and I've been enjoying it."
The former Test and State of Origin fullback was on the plane to France straight after the Broncos' season came to an end.
Despite leaving Red Hill, Hunt said he would not be a stranger around the club.
"In terms of playing, my time at the Broncs is up but I haven't said goodbye to them completely," he said.
"I still remain friends with everyone at Red Hill and I'll continue to stay in contact and pop up to games and training sessions if my schedule permits."
The 23-year-old last week made his rugby union debut in Brussels.
While Hunt is yet to make his formal debut for Biarritz, he did play his first game in the 15-man code for the French Barbarians against a European selection in the Belgian capital.
Hunt, who was named at outside centre, put in a solid performance in the Barbarians' 39-26 win.
"Life in France could not be any better," he said.
"I'm very lucky to be living in such a fantastic spot and playing for a great rugby club."
Article courtesy of Nick Smart, Gold Coast Bulletin.
