Konrad Hurrell is one of the NRL’s great redemption stories of 2016

SOMEWHERE in the mix of “Hayne Cam” and a packed Cbus Super Stadium is one of the NRL’s great redemption stories of 2016.

Konrad Hurrell is the forgotten man of ‘Haynemania’.

KONRAD Hurrell is the forgotten man of Haynemania.

Somewhere in the mix of “Hayne Cam” and a packed house at Cbus Super Stadium, Sunday is one of the NRL’s great redemption stories of 2016.

Hurrell will come up against his former club for the first time when he runs out against the Warriors in a match that has been overtaken by the hype of Jarryd Hayne’s return to the NRL.

The Tongan tearaway never saw himself playing for another NRL club, but when he fell well back in the pecking order of Warriors coach Andrew McFadden there was no alternative for Hurrell than to head across the ditch for a fresh start.

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Konrad Hurrell will face the Warriors for the first time. Photo: David Clark

“It was just frustrating, I couldn’t understand it at times,” Hurrell said.

“Last year, I wasn’t in my best form and I blame myself for that, but this year, I had the pre-season of my career.

“I worked hard, I was in the best shape ever and it still wasn’t good enough to crack the team.

“Andrew McFadden picked what he felt is best for the boys but I was disappointed when I put in the effort he wanted and I still couldn’t make the team.

“There wasn’t a personality clash. I think in Andrew’s eyes he felt he was picking the best team for the boys and I was second best according to him.

“He said I wasn’t up to the stage of playing consistent NRL football. He said I would play good in one game and then be terrible. He didn’t see me as a consistent player which is disappointing, but I’m trying to work on that.

“I kept training hard but eventually you lose that hunger if you aren’t playing first grade. I am glad I made the move to the Titans but I don’t want the same thing to happen to me here. I have to keep working hard to stay in the team.”

Hurrell’s first game for the Titans ended early with a calf injury but he has since been a revelation at right centre.

Konrad Hurrell will face the Warriors for the first time.

The 25-year-old’s past two matches have been sensational and he is excited for a showdown with Solomone Kata and the team he played 71 NRL games for across five seasons.

“It’s a bit exciting and nervous at the same time,” he said.

“I grew up playing footy with those boys. I’ve learned a lot from them.

“To be honest, I still miss them. I had five years of my career there so there’s no bad feelings with them.

“I would love to help the Titans get a win against them but after the game they will be my family again. I just don’t want any mistakes.

“There was nothing wrong with the players and the club. I just didn’t get any game time. It was between me and the coach.”

Titans coach Neil Henry pounced on Hurrell when the opportunity arose.

He knew the potential the 104kg wrecking ball possessed and has already seen glimpses of it during the Gold Coast’s charge into finals contention.

Hurrell idolised late All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu and he believes the NRL is yet to see the best of him.

“I haven’t played my best in the NRL at the moment and I think the more games I play for the Titans, the better I will get,” he said.

“I’m glad I made the move. I’m enjoying footy.

“I’m happy at the moment.”

Originally published as Konrad Hurrell is one of the NRL’s great redemption stories of 2016