Konrad Hurrell is expected to relish the extra space afforded at the Auckland Nines this weekend. Photo / Brett Phibbs
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 for
the 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.
