HYMEL Hunt is confident the Newcastle Knights' "love bubble" won't burst during the NRL's pandemic-enforced hiatus.
Hunt, the powerful outside back, provided an insight into his teammates' camaraderie last year when he said they were the "closest group" he had been a part of, adding: "We always joke around ... saying it's our love bubble. We all love each other, like we're a family of brothers."
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While Newcastle's players are now training in isolation, in accordance with the strict new social-distancing regulations, they are in constant contact via their phones and social media.
"We're just all staying on top of one another, being the best prepared we can in case the comp starts up again in another month or two," Hunt said.
"All the boys are sending photos, staying in touch. We're keeping each other accountable, like we did in the pre-season.
"We're looking after each other, making sure we're each doing the work, even though we're not with each other."
The 26-year-old, who played in every game for Newcastle last season, threw his support behind the NRL's quest to resume the season as early as possible, even if that means locking all players and staff into a quarantined environment, segregated from the general public.
"Obviously it would be hard for the guys with kids and families," he said. "But if that was the only way for the NRL to get going, and a chance for us to keep our careers alive, then I think that's our best option, if need be."
Newcastle's most recent game, the 42-24 win against Wests Tigers in round two, was 16 days ago. The longer the competition remains suspended, the more time players will need to prepare for a possible resumption.
"If we had to play a game this weekend, we'd be ready, 100 per cent," Hunt said.
"We might have to do some contract training, but I know we'd be ready.
"But I guess it will depend how long before we're allowed to play.
"If it's a big time frame, we'll need to get back into full contact at training. You can't go from no contact to full contact in one week, because it's a dangerous game."
If the shutdown drags on, Hunt admitted he would consider trying to find temporary employment.
"Some of the boys are thinking about it as a possibility," he said. "Most footy players are used to structure. If we're getting Centrelink payments and just stuck at home, I don't think it's the best thing for us. If we can find some sort of work, it will help us keep busy and keep our brains stimulated until the footy is back again."
