Leeds Rhinos chief Kevin Sinfield excited at '˜strike threat' of new signing Konrad Hurrell

Leeds Rhinos have made a significant capture with the '˜marquee' signing of Tonga centre Konrad Hurrell from NRL side Gold Coast Titans on a three-year deal.
Konrad Hurrell.    Picture: Andrew Cornaga/SWpix.com/PhotosportNZKonrad Hurrell.    Picture: Andrew Cornaga/SWpix.com/PhotosportNZ
Konrad Hurrell. Picture: Andrew Cornaga/SWpix.com/PhotosportNZ

He arrives at Emerald Headingley next month and Rhinos director of rugby Kevin Sinfield says he is delighted to have secured a player of such “international class”. Hurrell, 27, helped Tonga reach the World Cup semi-finals last year and will face Australia on Saturday.

He has scored 55 tries in 116 games in the NRL having debuted with the New Zealand Warriors in 2012 and moved to the Titans three years ago.

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

“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.

“He will provide a real strike threat for us in the centres and it is already exciting to think about Konrad and Kallum (Watkins) next season with our new look options at half back pulling the strings.”

Hurrell will join up with his international team-mate Tui Lolohea, the Wests Tigers No 6 who is also due to move to Leeds next season, and new Rhinos head coach Dave Furner, who was assistant coach with Tonga.

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Hurrell said: “I’m looking forward to getting to Leeds and especially having the chance to work with Dave Furner again.

“One of my best mates is Nate Peteru and he has told me about what I can expect so I’m excited about the move. When I ask people about Super League they always say how enjoyable it is.

“I have spoken to Dave about what he expects from me and he thinks my style will suit the game over there. Part of the attraction for me was the changes that he is looking to bring in at the club.

“He has been looking to recruit quality players to add to the squad and it is an exciting time to be joining the club. I haven’t managed to win a Premiership ring in the NRL.

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“But I feel like I am coming into my prime and the plan is to try and help Leeds get back up to challenging for honours so I can achieve success over the next three years.

Wakefield Trinity have confirmed the signing of Warrington Wolves prop George King on a two-year deal.