Hurrell is sure to lift Rhinos
NEW Leeds Rhinos star Konrad Hurrell once won a national weightlifting title – as a favour.
The Tongan centre is nicknamed the Hurrellcane for his blistering speed and fearsome power and will make his debut in today’s home friendly against Wakefield.
But it might have been weightlifting that snared him, after his ability was discovered as an 18-year-old.
The 27-year-old was playing rugby union when his school in New Zealand asked him to try weightlifting.
He said: “Auckland Grammar School had brought me to New Zealand on a scholarship from Tonga and I wanted to give something back. I tried it and won the national championship. I lifted about 120kg clean and jerk, which isn’t that much, but it was a oneoff to help the school.”
Hurrell took up rugby league the following year, spending five years at New Zealand Warriors and three at Gold Coast Titans.
But it is with Leeds that he hopes he can finally win his first league title, saying: “We’re hoping for a big year. We didn’t do too well this year but, with the new coaches, new players and all the hard work that we’re doing, things look good.”
Leeds suffered a torrid 2018, sacking coach Brian McDermott in June as they hurtled towards a relegation battle.
Hurrell said he knows the Rhinos are expected to bounce back with another title-winning campaign but insists the team are ready.
He said: “We want to get the club back to where it’s supposed to be, winning things and being the best on and off the field.”
❑ A HOST of legends will help unveil Leeds’ new South Stand today, which is part of a £45million revamp project.