NRL: Konrad Hurrell's Warriors future in doubt

Konrad Hurrell. Photo / Getty Images.

Warriors coach Andrew McFadden has questioned Konrad Hurrell's future at the club, after the events of the last 24 hours.

The popular Warriors centre was one of six players punished for a late night out last week, which led to several missing a team meeting on Wednesday.

Although Hurrell was apparently not drinking on the night, he seemed to compound his plight yesterday by retweeting a message on Twitter which questioned McFadden's respect among the playing group.

When asked about Hurrell's future at the club, the coach was far from positive.

"That's a very good question," McFadden told Newstalk ZB. "It's difficult to answer. I'll be meeting up with Konrad Hurrell and his manager [next] week and we'll have to discuss that. He's got a track record and I don't understand it, to be honest with you."

Andrew McFadden talks with Radio Sport's Mark Watson:

When asked specifically about the retweet, McFadden seemed exasperated.

"I can't control players and the stupid things they do," said the coach. "Again, we'll discuss that during the week. I've got a game to prepare for and I need to put my energy into the people that still want to be here."

Hurrell has been a perplexing case over the last few seasons. After a breakout year in 2012, he was also impressive the following season and became one of the best attacking weapons in the NRL. However, since then he has struggled to maintain a first-grade spot and has hit the headlines for the wrong reasons. He infamously returned to pre-season 10kg overweight, was involved in the sex tape saga and last year copped a long, perhaps harsh, suspension.

However, there must also be frustration on Hurrell's part. Despite arriving in his best shape ahead of this season, his appearances have be restricted to cameo roles in the forwards as Blake Ayshford and Solomone Kata have been preferred in the centres.

Now it's hard to see how Hurrell can regain favour with the coaching staff and club, who are clearly running out of patience.

Meanwhile, McFadden also confirmed hooker Issac Luke would start on the bench tomorrow against the Dragons. Luke, who earlier this week admitted his current form did not warrant Kiwis selection, was one of many who had a poor match in Melbourne and loses his starting spot to Jazz Tevaga.