Karmichael Hunt has been given his first taste of Wallaby gold when he was announced as part of the expanded Wallaby squad on Thursday afternoon ahead of the team's camp on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

Hunt was always likely to be part of Michael Cheika's wider plans throughout the Test winter, but the injury to Kurtley Beale has suddenly thrust the former rugby league and AFL player into the coach's forward plans.

Like he did last year, Cheika will take a bloated squad to Caloundra for a week of pain before trimming it for the camp proper back in Brisbane ahead of June 11's Test opener against England.

Included in that group will be Hunt, who stands a strong chance of making the final cut if he can impress Cheika in what should be another torrid week of physical work ahead of the first showdown with Eddie Jones at Suncorp Stadium.