Makinson’s tribute to Hurrell as he racks up 1,000 points
PROLIFIC Tommy Makinson has paid tribute to Konrad Hurrell saying his in-form St Helens team-mate is a “pleasure” to play with.
England winger Makinson took his Super League tally to 13 for the season with a brace in Friday’s win over Hull FC.
Tonga centre Hurrell, who joined from Leeds Rhinos in the off-season, helped set both up and also created another score for Jonny Lomax in the 24-10 victory.
Some people questioned the champions recruiting the ex-gold Coast Titans centre given some fitness issues during his time at Headingley.
But the 30-year-old has proved an astute addition to Saints’ squad and Makinson said: “We certainly weren’t questioning it.
“We knew how much of a handful Konnie is.
“He shows it every time he plays when he gets that ball. He’s dangerous. But it shows on how hard he works as well on his defence and how fit he’s become. I love playing outside him and I’m so happy for him.
“He’s a great player. All season he’s been fantastic, especially for me. He’s a pleasure to play with. He’s a fantastic bloke as well. That’s the main thing.”
Makinson’s first try, after Hurrell’s slick pass, put him past 1,000 points for the club.
“One thousand points is nice isn’t it?” he said.
“With the milestone, you’d rather get team goals but 1,000 points for this great team? Wow.
It’s special. Long may it continue. Let’s see if we can get to
2,000...”
He now has 160 tries for the club from 276 appearances since debuting in 2011, with 187 goals and one drop-goal.
Makinson, 30, was pleased with Saints’ response after their Challenge Cup semi-final disappointment against Wigan.
“We knew it’d be a big week,” he said.
“Hull are a great side and we needed to bounce back. We just didn’t perform like we should against Wigan.
“Wigan played well and showed us how to play rugby in that first half. We needed a big response and that takes us back to the top of the league. It made for a nice weekend.”
Makinson, of course, will not only be aiming for a fourth straight Super League title with Saints this term but also cementing his place in the England team for the World Cup.
That said, competition continues to be tough with veterans Ryan Hall and Jermaine Mcgillvary both firmly back in contention following some fine displays with Hull KR and Huddersfield Giants respectively.
Makinson, who won the 2018 Golden Boot, said: “You’ve just got to back yourself.
“I’ve just got to play well from now to the back end of the year and see where I end up at. I know where I sit and my own abilities just like Jez, Hally and the rest of them do. Come October it’ll be an exciting time.”