Player Transfers Dominate Rugby League Headlines
It’s that time of the year when player transfers are dominating the headlines in the rugby league world, with off-contract players at St Helens and other Super League clubs vying to secure their futures for 2025 and beyond. One such player is Konrad Hurrell, who found himself in a similar situation this time last season, “playing for a new contract” at Saints. This time around, there has been increased speculation about Hurrell’s future, with the Tongan veteran attracting interest from other Super League clubs.
Wellens Praises Hurrell’s Performance
Speaking after St Helens’ 60-4 thrashing of Castleford Tigers on Friday night, head coach Paul Wellens praised Hurrell’s performance, stating that displays like this could help the powerful centre earn a new deal. Hurrell, who penned a contract extension last year to keep him at the Totally Wicked Stadium until the end of this season, remains without an offer for next year. However, Wellens was unequivocal in his desire to retain Hurrell’s services, saying, “Absolutely, if he keeps playing like that.”
“Just give him the ball and let him run, and he’s hard to tackle.”
The former Tongan international has quickly regained the form that made him a mainstay in St Helens’ 2022 title-winning campaign, arguably putting in his best performance of the season against Castleford. Hurrell made three assists and was a constant threat, with Wellens noting, “Just give him the ball and let him run, and he’s hard to tackle.”
Maintaining Good Form is Key
While Wellens was quick to praise Hurrell’s display, he emphasized that the centre needs to maintain his good form if he wants to remain in the team, with the likes of Ben Davies and a host of young talents pushing for opportunities. “We’ve got a whole host of young kids in the squad who are chomping at the bit ready to go. So the challenge for anybody who’s got the jersey is to keep working hard to keep it,” he said.
St Helens Thrash Castleford
St Helens’ resounding victory over Castleford saw them march to the top of the Super League table, with the visitors running in 52 unanswered points in the second half to secure a comfortable 60-4 win. The match was not without its drama, with early red cards for both Tommy Makinson and Castleford’s Liam Horne, but ultimately, it was the clinical finishing and attacking prowess of the defending champions that proved the difference.
🔗 Source
