Former Warriors centre Konrad Hurrell has signed with the Gold Coast Titans until the end of the 2017 season.
Despite having two and a half seasons left to run on his contract, Hurrell was released by the Warriors earlier in the week, after making just three appearances in 2016.
The 24-year-old apologised to the club and its fans following the split, saying, “Just want to apologise both to the club and to my brothers on some unprofessional behaviour that I’ve let everyone down and that I am not proud of but learnt lesson from it!”
That “unprofessional behaviour” proved to be little disincentive for the Titans, who wasted little time in announcing the signing of the 104-kilogram centre.
“It’s great news for this club; in Konrad’s 71 NRL games he has scored 41 tries which alone shows what a dynamic attacking player he is,” Titans coach Neil Henry said.
“He will add depth to our outside backs which has suffered with the long-term injuries to David Mead and John Olive.
“At 24 he has his best football ahead of him and I look forward to him developing further on the Gold Coast.”
Hurrell, who was born in Tonga, began playing rugby league in Auckland during his teens, and made his debut for the Warriors in 2012, later representing the country of his birth on four occasions.
“I am really excited to join the Gold Coast Titans,” said Hurrell.
“I like how they have been playing this season and I know a few of the boys in the team so it should be a fairly easy transition for me. I am looking forward to meeting the rest of the team next week and all the fans at the next home game.”
As a part of the release deal with the Warriors, Hurrell will not be available to line up against his old side for the Gold Coast in Round 17.
Hurrell is the third player to be signed by the Titans since the start of the season, joining John Oliver and Nathan Peats at the Titans. He will move to the Gold Coast next week.
Bro
Guest
I wonder whether he will bring Teuila with him.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
His try scoring rate is very good, however his offence has never been the problem, just his defence, attitude, and off field decision making. As I said, maybe Neil Henry can get more from him, or maybe this situation will be the kick in the backside he needs to improve his professionalism. I've never heard anyone describe him as the next Meninga, however I tend to avoid panel shows and there's something of a physical comparison to be made there, but big Mal was also smart defensively and professional enough for his era. Panellists don't make their living by being conservative with their statements; some touted Luke Brooks as the next Andrew Johns or Allan Langer after one game of NRL football.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Well if he's training poorly and playing poorly in reserve grade (by all reports he is), then yeah. It kind of is.
Jacko
Guest
Also Alex he is rated by most Fox footy panelists as the next Mal Maninga ( a centre) so they cant all be wrong can they? A good centre with a crappy coach, but only until this week. Lets see how a half reasonable coach has him playing.
Jacko
Guest
Well its not Hurrells fault as he has only played 61 mins in 11 games this year. Hard to blame him based on that. I watch the warriors every match. If they go left off the dummy half then the fullback will get the pass and if they go right then Johnson gets the passand drops it to a forward cutting back in. Almost as predictable as a warriors result and even I could coach against that
Jacko
Guest
Savage those accusations are wrong but please let us all know how you have info that no-one else has. The Coach started dropping Hurrell after the side losses last year and said it was because of defensive issues yet the stats prove the coach to be either wrong or lying but do the reserch and find the stats for yourself instead of just repeating to press.
Jacko
Guest
Yes he was bought to NZ on a rugby scollarship and was poached by league for the U20 Warriors side where he proved to be a sensation. People keep critizising his defence but his stats are better than Kata, Ashford and Allwood so its nothing to do with his defence but an obvious clash with the person who says they are the coach. (doesnt actually coach from what I have seen)
Jacko
Guest
41 tries at centre in 71 games. Pretty good stats for any player not just centres
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
So it's all the coaches fault? I can only assume also the one before him. And the one before that too. And the one before that too...
Worrier
Guest
The guy doesn't drink.....
Worrier
Guest
don't forget that the Warriors will still be paying for part of his contract as he has 2 years to go...Typical Warriors just wasting money..
Pilferer
Guest
Cant help but feel he probably said what most of the roster at the Warriors were thinking about mcfailing and has paid the price! If the rumors about intrest from the storm were true then i can only assume the $ was to good to say no too. Bellamy would have him playing test for the kiwis by the end of this season.
Pilferer
Guest
Dont think he played league till he was 18 odd . And was a stand out union player that was asked to trail for the 20s team . Not a hundred percent sure but someone like john hart or greame henry told the Warriors to give him a trail
Pilferer
Guest
Yep how dare he sober drive the other 5 players around and make sure they got home ok
DoubleDown
Guest
So the rumours a while ago were that the Bears were looking to buy the Titans. Does the potential now of the Titans making the 8 affect that? The NRL will sell the club but do you think it impacts a brand change? This is a question from a Bears fan obviously.
SAVAGE
Guest
When you treat your first job like an adult version of high school, i.e. turnup eat your lunch, hang out with your mates, clown around, then play a game of footy in the weekend, sooner or later someone is going to say, school is over. School's over bro. This can either be the best thing that has happened to him, or he's going to go missing altogether. Its up to him. All the talent in the world aint going to save him unless he grows up.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Vatuvei is on leave after mixing prescription drugs and energy drinks -- one suspects there might be more to it due to a statement from him about not feeling like he's in the right place and as other players were suspended for the same thing but brought back in subsequent weeks, Hurrell was apparently involved in the same sort of thing but given his history of a ridiculous lack of professionalism it came as no shock to anyone.
Muzz
Guest
Matai > Warriors
Kevin dustby
Guest
I think there is a cultural problem at warriors. The coach has been making some mystifying selections of non poly players with limited ability
Sponebob
Guest
He appears to me as someone who was big and dominated younger leagues. Was always a step ahead and never had to put all that much effort in. In the top grade he's still a good attacker however his defence is often exploited (coaches actually research, and the opposition is just as good as you are), and his attitude is pretty poor for a team environment. If he can adjust that he has a long career ahead of him I'd imagine. If not, he'll really struggle as he has been at times. All great scoring a try but when you let 3 in it's rather moot.