Hurrell-Warriors story has no happy ending

It should be that smiling face, looking into a TV camera and blowing a kiss to his mum in Tonga after scoring a try that Konrad Hurrell is remembered for.

But what had been on the cards for so long finally eventuated yesterday with the Warriors agreeing to release him from his contract.

Of course, there were numerous offfield indiscretions during his time with the club, mostly revolving around social media. And while people are always quick to castigate him, it’s worth remembering his slipups were always on the dumb, rather than dodgy, side.

He played for the club with a grin on his face, especially in the early years. But his sense of humour sometimes made it look like he didn’t care.

When he gave his speech after winning the Warriors’ People’s Choice award after the 2014 season, the centre rubbed his fingers together towards the club’s bosses on stage and said ‘‘show me the money’’. Hurrell was joking and the audience roared with laughter.

It’s also worth mentioning that it was the People’s Choice award he won, not one decided upon by the coaches – and that was always the problem with Hurrell. He was adored by fans, but never quite saw eye-to-eye with the team’s management.

Hurrell should have been at the Warriors for a decade and left a legacy.

Instead, he’ll be plying his trade elsewhere. Wherever he is, it’ll be nice to see him playing with a smile on his face again.