FREE FOR ALL
The fight for NRL futures starts now
WITH the Titans’ NRL hopes coming to an end, the blowtorch turns on to the roster for 2019.
Fans’ favourite Konrad Hurrell (inset) is the latest player to be in the spotlight, while Leilani Latu (main) must deliver a strong finish to ensure he sees out his contract which runs until the end of 2020.
KONRAD Hurrell says he is determined to cement his place in first grade and fight for his future at the Titans as speculation swirls about his role at the club.
Hurrell was demoted to the Intrust Super Cup earlier this season but has regained his NRL spot after a seasonending injury to Dale Copley.
But with coach Garth Brennan admitting the centre is fighting for his future on the Gold Coast, Hurrell needs a strong end to the season to lock down his spot.
While he is signed until the end of 2019, Brennan admitted Hurrell’s manager – like any representative of a big star relegated to the reserves – was likely to be searching for other options, while it’s understood the Titans have discussed the possibility of him moving on.
Any move to shop Hurrell is likely to be met with despair by fans, with the Tongan Test star a favourite for his efforts on and off the field.
Hurrell is not buying into any talk of moving on.
“I’ve still got another year next year, so I’m just focusing on that year and getting myself better,” he said.
“I’m just going to do what I can control, I’m just going to play hard and by the end of next year, if they don’t want to sign me, then that’s life and I’ve just got to move on.
“But at this stage, I’ve just got to train hard and try and cement my spot here.”
Hurrell conceded he had not had a good start to the season. “It’s not my best year, obviously I had a very poor start to the season and I got dropped to the reserves,” Hurrell said.
“I got myself in trouble, so I just needed to put my head down and work hard to get back into the NRL.
“It’s pretty sad to see Dale Copley out for the whole season but it’s just another opportunity for myself and I’m just trying to train the house down and keep my spot now because obviously there’s still Brendan Elliot and a couple of boys who can play in the centres.
“I’m only doing what I can control and that’s training hard and playing good.”
Hurrell could have no more motivation than playing for his future against his old club on Sunday when the Titans meet the Warriors at Cbus Super Stadium.
“The Gold Coast is like a second home game for them,” he said.
“Obviously we’re not making the finals but we’re just trying to go out there and play hard for our club.
“It’s a big game (for me) against the boys.”