Release of Hurrell to Super League gives Titans recruitment war chest

THE Titans have a $500,000 war chest to seek a strike centre after agreeing to release cult hero Konrad Hurrell from the final year of his contract to join Super League club Leeds.

THE Titans have a $500,000 war chest to seek a strike centre after agreeing to release cult hero Konrad Hurrell from the final year of his contract to join Super League club Leeds.

Hurrell said he was “sad” to leave the Titans but joining the Rhinos as a marquee international player will secure his future.

After being dropped to the Intrust Super Cup early in the season, Hurrell finished the year in the NRL and coach Garth Brennan had made it clear he would not be offered a deal beyond 2019.

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Konrad Hurrell is seen during the Gold Coast Titans beach swim at Kurrawa Beach. Photo: AAP

“It is sad for me to be leaving the Titans earlier than I expected but at this time it made sense for me to make the move now and secure a long term contract and further my career in another competition,” Hurrell said in an Instagram post.

The Titans and Leeds confirmed the signing on their websites on Thursday night (Australian time).

Brennan said the club had not been in a position to offer the Tongan international a deal beyond 2019.

“I’ve always said how much of a fan I am of Konrad and that hasn’t changed,” Brennan said.

“By his own admission he had his ups and downs throughout season 2018 but his dedication and application to the club on and off the field can never be questioned.

“The club is not in a position to offer him anything beyond next season and the three-year offer for him at Leeds is something that I understand is a hard one to knock back.

“I know everyone at the club will miss his smile and laughter around the place and I know I speak on behalf of all us in wishing him all the best for the future.”

Konrad Hurrell of the Titans celebrates a try during the round 20 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the New Zealand Warriors. Photo: Getty Images

Rhinos Director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield said the club was excited to have secured a player of Hurrell’s class.

“Over the years, Rhinos fans have always loved a strong running centre and Konrad certainly fits that bill,” Sinfield said.

“I would like to thank Gold Coast Titans for the professional manner in our dealings with Konrad that will allow him to take up this exciting opportunity with the Rhinos.”

While the Titans lose one of the most popular players at the club — and a tireless community worker — the move frees up valuable funds to chase a replacement, with whispers continuing about Jordan Kahu moving down the M1 from Brisbane despite being contracted to the Broncos.

The Titans have three spots remaining in their top 30 for next season, with a strike centre and backrower their main targets.

And while there are currently few strike players off contract, the Titans are keeping a close eye on the coaching ranks, with the fallout from an expected off-season merry-go-round meaning key players could suddenly come on to the market.

Hurrell thanked former Titans coach Neil Henry for signing him in 2016 in a move that reinvigorated his NRL career after he fell out of favour at the New Zealand Warriors.

Konrad Hurrell of the Titans is tackled by Ken Maumalo of the Warriors at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland. Photo: AAP

“I really want to thank the Titans and Neil Henry for bringing me to the club,” he said.

“To the members and fans, thank you so much for welcoming me into the club and always supporting me no matter what.”

Brennan also got a nod for “always keeping me honest”.

The Titans coach has been unafraid to drop big name players, including recruits Bryce Cartwright and Leilani Latu, who played much of the season in the Intrust Super Cup with Tweed.