Konrad Hurrell will start for the Warriors in Saturday’s NRL clash with Canberra, coach Andrew McFadden ignoring the distraction of the 22-year-old centre’s leaked sex video.
The NRL Integrity Unit is investigating the video, which reportedly depicts Hurrell engaged in a sex act while driving.
Shortland Street actress Teuila Blakely, 39, has confirmed she is the woman in the short clip, which surfaced briefly on the internet on Sunday before being taken down.
Hurrell will be joined in the centres by Ben Henry for the round-nine match at Eden Park.
Henry had Ngani Laumape as his centres partner in the 16-10 Anzac Day win over Melbourne, with Hurrell being introduced from the interchange bench.
A reshuffle has been forced following the enforced absence of winger David Fusitu’a, who is battling a shoulder injury he picked up against the Storm.
With Thomas Leuluai still troubled by a groin complaint, Chad Townsend will again partner Kiwi international Shaun Johnson in the halves.
McFadden has been able to name the same starting forward pack used at AAMI Park.
He has selected a five-man bench including Kevin Locke, who could make his first start of the season.
The others on the bench are Feleti Mateo, Suaia Matagi, the recalled Sione Lousi and the returning Ben Matulino, who missed the past two games through suspension.
McFadden said it was unfortunate Fusitu’a would miss out after performing well against St George Illawarra and the Storm.
“But we’re able to shift Ngani out to the wing again, and start with Ben and Konrad in the centres.”
McFadden said it was also a significant boost to have Matulino back in the front-row mix with Sam Rapira, Jacob Lillyman and Matagi.
While the Warriors go into the contest on the back of one of the most-impressive victories in the club’s history, Canberra are coming off one of their most humiliating losses after being trounced 54-18 by Manly on April 27.
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