St Helens make Konrad Hurrell contract decision after neck surgery verdict

Konrad Hurrell has signed a new contract with St Helens after being cleared to play after neck surgery. The popular Tongan has signed a one-year deal with the club where he has spent the past three seasons.

The 33-year-old ended last season on the sidelines after requiring neck surgery, which had put his career in doubt. St Helens were awaiting the results of scans before making a call on Hurrell's future. Meanwhile, the club has been exploring the NRL market for potential recruitment options should he not remain at the club.

But with the former Leeds Rhinos player cleared to return to the field, a decision has been made for Hurrell to stay at the club next year.

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“Firstly I'm grateful, grateful to Wello [Paul Wellens] and Rushy [Mike Rush – CEO] for giving me another opportunity to be involved in this great club. I am buzzing as well!

“It’s just a blessing to be around the boys again and get the opportunity to live my childhood dream again.

“It was tough, tough to take it on the chin, but I guess that's what our sport is, sometimes it comes to that with a serious injury. The only option was to get the surgery on it.

“I was trying to put a smile on my face, but inside it was hurting. I didn't want to finish like that and I was fighting for that in the back of my head. I know a lot of people doubted that I would be back on the field. In my head, I didn't want to leave this great game like that.

“Fast forward, three or four months later, I’ve got the green light now and it has felt good. There were a lot of people that doubted that I'd be back in this position again. I'm glad that with the help from my partner, Bec, pushing me through those tough times, and being around the boys, they were so good to me, making it feel like I wasn't injured."

As a result, Saints' quota spots are all allocated for the 2025 season. Tristan Sailor and Kyle Feldt have arrived, with Sione Mata'utia and Waqa Blake making way.

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