Warriors centre Konrad Hurrell has his sights set on playing for the Kiwis in this year's Anzac test after opting to turn out for Tonga at last year's World Cup.
The 22-year-old didn't think he was ready to feature in a black and white jersey last year, instead playing forthe country of his birth, but probably would have been selected for the Kiwis if available. New Zealand lack depth at centre and, even though he has defensive deficiencies, Hurrell is a matchwinner, having scored 25 tries in 37 NRL appearances.
He scored one in three games for Tonga but the biggest impact he made at the World Cup was when he put a huge tackle on Italy's Cameron Ciraldo, who was hospitalised for a lacerated pancreas.
"Hopefully I will get a chance to play for the Kiwis and the Anzac test is my goal," he said. "It has always been my dream to play for the Kiwis."
That will depend a lot on who is coach, with the NZRL interviewing four candidates - incumbent Stephen Kearney, David Kidwell, Richie Blackmore and Glenn Morrison. An appointment is expected this month.
Hurrell is able to switch allegiance under international rules, with players who have dual eligibility able to make a change after a World Cup cycle or after two years.
Hurrell is expected to be a standout at this weekend's Auckland Nines at Eden Park in a Warriors side among the favourites for the inaugural title.
Hurrell is fast and, at 102kg, difficult to stop and the extra space and fewer defenders is likely to suit him. He put his inclusion in jeopardy, however, after returning to pre-season training a month ago overweight.
"I had a bit too much fun back in Tonga and didn't really watch my weight," he said.
"I put on 10kg. It was a big blowout for me.
"The club weren't happy about it. I just had to put my head down and work hard and I came back and dropped 9kg in one month. I'm glad it's out of the way."
The Warriors' nines squad held their first training run yesterday when they devised a few tactics.
