KONI PLAYS FOR KEEPS
Wrecking-ball Hurrell to re-sign with Titans for two more years
ANOTHER piece of the puzzle is about to fall into place for the Titans with blockbusting centre Konrad Hurrell to resign with the Gold Coast.
Hurrell is on the verge of inking a two-year extension which will keep him at the Titans until at least 2019.
The deal will be finalised before the start of the NRL season in two weeks.
Hurrell, 25, has resurrected his career on the Gold Coast after falling out of favour with former Warriors coach Andrew McFadden. He played just three NRL matches for the Warriors in 2016 before being granted a release to join the Titans mid-season, registering 10 games for his new club as they bolted into the finals.
Hurrell’s manager Amon Ta’akimoeaka said he had no hesitation in re-signing with the Titans.
“We’re just waiting to have the papers all done,” he said.
“We will be coming over in the next few weeks and hopefully put pen on paper.
“He is very happy there. The Gold Coast has been great for some of our boys that have come there and taken the opportunity. They have grown up – put it that way.
“He is praising everything. The Gold Coast Titans and (coach) Neil Henry have certainly brought something out of him. He is doing very well. He is really happy there. A happy player will play well.”
Hurrell found some of his best form at the Titans last year and with 81 NRL appearances under his belt he is entering the prime of his career.
He has lost 6kg to play at 98kg this season and is looking fit despite having not been in full training for two months.
Henry is planning to field Hurrell and English import Dan Sarginson in the centres.
Having re-signed aspiring captain Ryan James for a further four years, the Titans are hoping key players Jarryd Hayne and Nathan Peats will follow Hurrell’s lead and commit to the club beyond 2017.
“Konrad has been a great addition to our ranks,” Titans CEO Graham Annesley said.
“He is an absolute character and everyone at the club loves him. He is great for morale.
“He is also a fantastic player. He showed a glimpse last year of what he was capable of and if he can continue that in 2017 we are going to be in pretty good shape.”
Hurrell will not play in tomorrow’s trial against the Warriors in New Zealand, however, Henry is expecting him to be available to face the Roosters at Cbus Super Stadium on March 4.