Karmichael Hunt will part ways with the Queensland Reds by Christmas and could be in the frame for a NSW call-up in 2019.

The Herald understands the code-hopping utility and his management are close to an agreement with the Reds that will see him released from the final year of his contract with the Super Rugby side in the coming weeks.

Breakthrough: Queensland and Karmichael Hunt are understood to have agreed to a release for the veteran back. Credit:AAP

Without a Super Rugby offer elsewhere at this stage, it is unclear where that leaves him. He is still contracted to Rugby Australia.

But with the Waratahs on a mission to build squad depth next season and Hunt still a person of interest to Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, the NSW side have not ruled out taking a closer look at him.