Konrad Hurrell turning into a liability

Konrad Hurrell. Photo / Getty Images

Dumb and dumber, and now dumber yet again. Konrad Hurrell is turning into a liability, a disappointing blot on an exciting Warriors landscape. League's awesome freight train needs a massive rethink, to stay on the rails.

Hurrell faces a three or four week suspension on Wednesday night for a knee-up charge which left tackler Anthony Tupou with a horribly broken jaw. Hurrell had received warnings from the NRL for similar actions yet erred on the side of a contrary conduct charge against the Sharks.

Even if he has a defence, Hurrell foolishly tempted fate because a knee was definitely raised. The centre has just signed a new three year contract and expresses his strong Warriors loyalty. But don't tell me coach Andrew McFadden doesn't already wonder if the risks will outweigh the rewards.

The man who blows kisses off his hand after scoring tries might be kissing his career goodbye. Hurrell could be a legend, but is still too much of a myth. Even at his best, he is Puffing Koni operating in fits and starts. And there are already players snapping at his heels who have more skill and stamina even if they lack Hurrell's punch.

The power-packed Hurrell is one of the most damaging runners the NRL has ever seen. There are few subtleties to his game - his strength is his sheer strength, and it's best used when pointed straight ahead. But his career is going sideways.

This potential suspension is incredibly annoying for the Warriors, who traditionally rely on a mid-season charge to make up for poor starts and fading finishes. More than any back in the competition, Hurrell needs game time to keep his fitness up and fix poor instincts. He has already suffered a disrupted season through a knee injury and being axed for errors.

His biggest technical problem is defence, where he lacks the sharp footwork and desperation to cover for his mistakes, but it's his park football attitude which must make McFadden feel like grabbing the big man and giving him a shake.

Hurrell has a charming honesty about his stuff ups but seems too laid back and isn't learning from the great professionals around him such as Ruben Wiki, Simon Mannering, Ryan Hoffman and Thomas Leuluai.

Hurrell was overweight prior to the 2014 season, conceding he had "switched off" during the holidays, leaving his team mates disappointed. Then he caused the club - and a lady friend - more angst after sharing a selfie sex tape. And now this, all in the space of 18 months.

The Warriors recruitment has the ex-players who dominate the game's lineup of pundits in Australia talking about them winning the title next season. Hurrell spends too much time on the carpet for a man who should be central to a magical ride.