The stats behind former Leeds Rhinos man Konrad Hurrell’s new St Helens deal

When Konrad Hurrell left Leeds for St Helens, there was an assumption he wouldn’t be there for long.

He signed a one-year deal, was given the number 23 shirt and wasn’t set to be a regular starter for the Champions and was being tipped to make a move back home after this season maybe to new club The Dolphins.

However, few could have imagined the success he’d have at St Helens. Hurrell had been brilliant in first two seasons at Leeds. He was central to steering the Rhinos from relegation in 2019 and was responsible for many of Ash Handley’s tries as the winger finished top scorer in 2020 having been mightily close the year prior.

The start of the 2020 campaign was exceptional from Hurrell as Leeds maximised his quality and this saw him secure a second Dream Team spot as well as the Challenge Cup trophy. However, things stalled for him last year as he picked up injuries scoring just two tries during the campaign.

Under his international boss Kristian Woolf at Saints he looks like a very different animal turning in an eye catching display last week against Hull KR scoring a try and being key to other scores. Back to full fitness, he’s a wrecking ball once more.

So, a player who simply seemed like squad filler at the start of the season and one who would not stay beyond the end of the year is now a player who has been central to the Champions this term due to injuries to Regan Grace, Mark Percival and Will Hopoate and has more than filled the holes he’s been asked to. Even Lewis Dodd’s injury and Hopoate’s subsequent move to fullback has made Hurrell key to the Saints side.

The stats show his importance too. He’s already doubled his try tally from last year with four tries in 12 games this term. He’s also got six assists meaning he’s involved in a try almost every game this year. He has an average gain of around 10 metres which is ideal and well above average and has made nine clear breaks. He’s also made 39 tackle busts and run for 1278 metres.

There are some drawbacks such as 29 missed tackles and 15 errors but that’s more than balanced out by what he does with the ball in his hands.

So, a player expected to move on at the end of the year after a brief period with the club has been so exceptional for them and has become a fan favourite due to his lovely personality it became inevitable that Saints would offer him a new deal especially after the outcry of fans.

In our recent poll nearly 80% of fans said they wanted to see Hurrell stay and yesterday they got their wish with Hurrell signing a 12-month extension to his time at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

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Should St Helens keep Konrad Hurrell?

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On his new deal, Hurrell said: “I signed for Saints for one year last season and it was a case of seeing how I went from there. I didn’t have a great year personally and I felt like I needed to turn it around coming into a Club with a great environment, great players and staff to try and get my game back to where it needed to be.

“Now I have got another opportunity to stay here a bit longer and I couldn’t say ‘no’. My partner and I are excited to be here for another year. I have been enjoying it so much here, I am happy, playing well so it is great to get the opportunity to stay for another year next season.”

On the fans, Hurrell continued: “I love playing in Super League because the fans get involved so much. I love connecting with the fans and they have been great with me. They come to watch us week in week and out pay our wages so I am more than happy to get involved with them!”