When St Helens brought in Konrad Hurrell from Leeds Rhinos ahead of the 2022 Super League season, a few eyebrows were raised.
A one-year contract as a replacement for the three-time Grand Final winner Kevin Naiqama was perhaps difficult to understand.
However, since then Hurrell has trimmed down and is enjoying his rugby with a smile on his face.
In fact, the Tongan powerhouse has been impressing so much that he was handed Sky Sports’ Man of the Match award in Saints’ 24-10 win over Hull FC on Friday night.
Following the game, head coach Kristian Woolf was asked about Hurrell’s future at the Totally Wicked Stadium, with the Tonga national coach waxing lyrical about the centre.
“He’s been great since he’s been here,” Woolf told Sky Sports after the game.
“A lot of people questioned why we brought him in but I knew that he’s a great person and he’s great to have around the club.
“If you keep him fit and happy there’s a great player there.”