Test star in line for unexpected NRL return
Tongan international Konrad Hurrell is the latest player on the radar of the Dolphins for their debut season in the NRL in 2023.
One of the most damaging ball runners in the rugby league world, Hurrell recently concluded a three-year deal with Leeds Rhinos in Super League and switched to St Helens – but signifcantly just for one season.
That leaves the 30-year-old former New Zealand Warriors strike player a free agent for 2023 and the Dolphins – who have been struggling to attract top-line talent – are looking at him to fill a spot in their backline.
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Hurrell has played 11 Tests for Tonga and when fit and in form, is a dangerous attacking weapon.
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The Roosters have added to their forward depth with their feeder club North Sydney signing former Tigers back-rower Regan Hughes.
A 24-year-old qualified civil engineer, Hughes played in the NRL trials early last year – ironically producing his best performance against the Roosters.
Roosters officials obviously liked what they saw, with Hughes joining the Bears and he’ll be a handy acquisition if the club undegoes an injury crisis similar to the one that destroyed their premiership campaign last season.
Hughes hails from the bush town of Canowindra and wasn’t able to break into the Tigers’ top side last season but may have more luck with a change of scenery.
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The Storm are excited about the progress of former New Zealand Sevens winger Will Warbrick.
A member of the Kiwis’ silver-medal winning team at the Tokyo Olympics, Warbrick has looked the goods at training.
“He played league when he was 15 for a couple of years so he knows the game,” Storm recruitment manager Paul Bunn told Wide World of Sports.
“He was looking for a new challenge and we can’t wait to see how he goes in the trials.
“He’s strong and quick and we are hopeful he makes a quick transition back to league.”
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The Panthers have signed a promising back-rower from Wests Tigers.
Daniel Sykes played in the NSW Cup for the Tigers last season but the 20-year-old will start this year in the Panthers’ Flegg side.
A workaholic back-rower, Sykes regularly topped the tackle count for the Tigers last season and is also capable of breaking the line – another kid to watch over the coming months.
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