Konrad Hurrell extends St Helens stay with new contract until 2023

Konrad Hurrell has signed a new contract at St Helens, extending his stay at the Totally Wicked Stadium until the end of 2023.

The Tongan international linked up with Saints ahead of this year. Making the move after three years with Leeds, centre Hurrell has fast become a fans’ favourite.

He has so far scored five tries and assisted six others in 15 appearances wearing the Red V. And despite strong links with a move to the NRL, it would appear he is now here to stay.

Tongan Tank

“I signed for Saints for one year last season and it was a case of seeing how I went from there,” said Hurrell.

“I didn’t have a great year personally [at Leeds] and I felt like I needed to turn it around coming into a club with a great environment, great players and staff to try and get my game back to where it needed to be.

“Now I have got another opportunity to stay here a bit longer and I couldn’t say no. My partner and I are excited to be here for another year. I have been enjoying it so much. I am happy and playing well so it is great to get the opportunity to stay for another year next season.

“I love playing in Super League because the fans get involved so much. I love connecting with the fans and they have been great with me. They come to watch us week in week out, and they pay our wages, so I am more than happy to get involved with them!”

Initially starting out with New Zealand Warriors, Hurrell joined Leeds from Gold Coast Titans. In his first two seasons with the Rhinos, his strong performances earned him a place in back-to-back Super League dream teams. The Tongan was also a Challenge Cup winner in 2020.

Notably, the 30-year-old played for the World All Star team in 2016, scoring a try in their win over the Indigenous All Stars. On the international front meanwhile, he has 11 caps for Tonga.

Woolf’s Impact

Undoubtedly, the link between him and Kristian Woolf will have helped with the re-signing. Woolf manages Hurrell on both the club and international stages, adding: “He took a punt on joining us last season to help his career, but we knew he would be a good signing for us as I know him both as a player and a person.

“I knew we had the environment here at Saints that would help him perform to his best and what we are seeing is Koni playing with a smile on his face. He is enjoying his footy and he is a big influence on our group. He will only get better.

“He is a very popular member of the group with his personality and character. He has earnt the respect of the group with how hard he has worked and he has put himself in a position to play the way he is playing because of that hard work and the discipline he has shown.”

Hurrell will likely represent Tonga at the World Cup later this year. Upon his return to Saints, he will be joined by Sione Mata’utia, Matty Lees, Jack Welsby and Lewis Dodd. All four of those have also already re-signed for 2023 with the reigning champions.