NRL: Hurrell axing sends clear message to Warriors

Konrad Hurrell has been dropped to the Warriors' NSW Cup side this weekend. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Warriors coach Andrew McFadden hopes his decision to drop Konrad Hurrell will have a marked effect on his side as they look to reduce their error rate in their Anzac Day clash against the Titans.

McFadden's decision to replace Hurrell with David Fusitu'a was not made lightly but four error-riddled performances from his side over the past month meant something had to change.

"Errors are a part of our game but the types of errors we're making are really hurting us at the moment, in our own end, fundamental, and under no pressure," McFadden explained.

"We've addressed it again but it's really up to the individuals now and I've had to make some people accountable and, hopefully, that shocks them into some form this week."

McFadden admits he was tempted to leave his right edge untouched for a fourth straight week, with the potential that Hurrell would find his best form in his fourth game back from a knee injury which has hindered his start to the year.

But after conceding that Hurrell was brought back too soon for the round-five clash with Melbourne, and two mixed performances from the burly centre against the Tigers and Cowboys, McFadden opted to wield the axe.

"I certainly thought long and hard about it but there are some things Konrad needs to improve on that I've made him aware of," he said.

"He understands that and it wasn't just about the errors. There are some circumstances around Konrad and his knee and his lack of preparation, because of that knee, which probably impacted on his form a little. Even though he's doing some good things, there are some things he needs to work on.

"I know he'll bounce back and there was a temptation to make other changes but I feel that some guys need that second chance."

Fusitu'a will make his first appearance of the season after recovering from shoulder surgery over the offseason and impressing with three tries in his first two games back in NSW Cup over the last fortnight.

After playing 12 games on the right wing last season, McFadden says Fusitu'a's size, speed and skill-set make him well suited to the midfield.

"He's definitely got centre material. He's got all of the skills. He's big and athletic and reads the game really well so there's no reason why he can't play there.

"It may take a little time to build combinations but we've certainly worked hard at it this week.

"He's been playing centres in our [NSW] Cup side and going really well so I'm very confident he can do the job."

With Hurrell struggling, Matt Allwood serving a suspension and the extent of Ngani Laumape's knee injury still to be determined, McFadden said he was waiting for someone to make the right centre position their own.

"He's (Fusitu'a) an option but no one has really taken that and held it as their own. We've got Manu who's our left wing, who owns that position, but some of the other guys have to really put their hand up and take a hold of it."

Laumape was named to face the Storm four weeks ago before being replaced by Hurrell, but his troublesome knee may yet require surgery.

"We're still hopeful that we might be able to get something out of him this year. He will know in the next few weeks. We'll have to make a decision on that."