The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Konrad Hurrell released by New Zealand Warriors

Konrad Hurrell has been released by the New Zealand Warriors. (Digital Image by Ian Knight © nrlphotos.com)
25th May, 2016
4

The New Zealand Warriors have released 24-year-old centre Konrad Hurrell.

Hurrell, who played 71 games for the club since making his debut in 2012, was contracted to the Warriors until the end of the 2018 season, but a mutual agreement to part ways has been reached.

Hurrell has always had plenty of talent and could be considered one of the most damaging centres in the NRL on his day, but a string of off-field issues haven’t helped his cause to nail down a first-grade spot.

As a result, he has been inconsistently picked to play.

Just a couple of weeks ago he was part of a six-man group stood down by coach Andrew McFadden for breaching team rules during a night out after the team were smashed by the Melbourne Storm 42-0. The group later admitted to have been mixing energy drinks with prescription medication.

Hurrell was the only member of the group who hadn’t been selected to play against the Storm, and has not returned to the Warriors first-grade set-up since.

In 2014, Hurrell filmed himself driving while in a lewd act with actress Teuila Blakey, with the footage posted on social media. He was fined $5000 for the incident.

There is no suggestion any new off-field issue led to Hurrell leaving the Warriors.

Advertisement

“After discussions between Konrad, his management and us we’ve reached a mutual agreement for him to be released now,” said Warriors managing director Jim Doyle.

“We would like to thank Konrad for his contribution since coming into our development system. He has been a popular member of the club and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Hurrell said he had mixed emotions to be leaving.

“I will always be thankful to the Vodafone Warriors for all they have done for me and the way they have helped me develop as a rugby league player,” he said.

“I’m grateful to all the boys I have played alongside, all the people at the club and also the members and fans.”

Early reports suggest Hurrell could be headed for the English Super League.

close