Hurrell’s looking to be more like Ma’a Nonu
BUSTLING centre Will Hurrell believes his loan spell at Bath can aid his bid to emulate the “world-class skills” of his hero Ma’a Nonu.
Hurrell’s arrival at Bath surprised Bristol fans given he signed a new two-year deal at the club only in December. However, he told
TRP: “There’s nothing sinister, this is purely a loan and it gives me an opportunity to sample a new style at Bath. There’s a lot of competition at centre at Bristol with Tusi Pisi, Alapati Leiua, Siale Piutau and Jack Tovey and I’ve not been getting as many games as I’d have liked, so it’s a great chance to play in the Premiership.
“Bath are struggling at centre with Jonathan Joseph away and Max Clark injured, so I’ve been able to get into the team. There’s no fallout with Bristol so it’s a win-win situation.”
Hurrell, 28, is an ardent admirer of All Black star Nonu, adding: “I’m constantly working on becoming a more rounded player and while I’m good going forward, my offloads and kicking need improving.
“Ma’a Nonu’s always been the big one for me: he’s that sort of bloke who was very abrasive and was up and down and carried well, but he managed to develop world-class skills and became a top ball player.
“I see myself in a similar mould – an up and downer who’s striving hard to improve the rest of it.
“I don’t mind whether I play No.12 or 13 but there’s a bit more emphasis now on having a second playmaker at inside-centre, so I’m trying to up-skill myself there and be better prepared for next season in the Premiership at Bristol.”