The former Bronco and Gold Coast Sun was the main attraction as the Reds ventured to the tropical north to take on Melbourne on a typically steamy night in Cairns.

And the locals indulging in a cooling brew on the Barlow Park hill weren't the only interested parties. Hunt's first game had been highly-anticipated since he signed with the Reds late last year, ending a five-year stint in AFL.

He gave Queensland 63 minutes of football that would have had coach Richard Graham more than happy with the progress of his rugby education, even if a mistake in the 37th minute won't be likely to feature on any future resumes.

With Queensland sweeping it wide on the Rebels line, Hunt steamed onto a ball from rookie No.10 Duncan Paia'aua, only to have it bobble off his hip in the humid, slippery conditions.

Rebels winger Tom English picked Hunt's pocket and raced 90 metres to score under the posts.

But while the error would prove costly, the upside was plain to see. His first touch was a huge climb for a bomb, ultimately spilled, before the nerves settled and he found a way into a game played largely through the forwards.

He found himself in a tough spot, behind the line with the defence rushing, in the 25th minute before calmly kicking over the top to the Rebels corner to ease the pressure.

His long kicking, a feature of his post-AFL game, was called into play from penalties while he was typically physical when given the opportunity to throw his body into contact.

Hunt produced a huge cleanout on Jack Debreczeni late in the first half before crunching former Reds player Dom Shipperley early in the second.

"It was good to get back out there again. I haven't had too much contact over the past six years so it was nice to get my head in a few rucks, make a few tackles, just get with the pace of the game," Hunt said.

"I felt good. It wasn't really a night for the backs to showcase our skills but I think it was a positive step going forward."

The fullback will be the focus of the post-game wash-up but the Reds have plenty to work on ahead of their first game of the Super Rugby season against the Brumbies in a fortnight. In many ways, Hunt presents the least of their concerns.

New playmaker Paia'aua was given a tough initiation in his first game after joining the Reds from the Broncos Under 20s. His passing was heavily pressured and the final trial against the Crusaders will be vital to his readiness for round one.

It was only a trial but leaking 28 points wouldn't have been part of the plan. More will be known at Ballymore next weekend, while the Rebels will be well pleased with their first hit-out of the year.

They campaigned strongly through the pack, with reserve prop Cruze Ah Nau scoring twice from line-out drives. Beau Robinson crossed twice for the Reds in the same manner.