“This upsets me” – Leeds players bid heartfelt yet hilarious farewells to Konrad Hurrell

Despite the fact Konrad Hurrell only spent three years at Headingley, he quickly became part of the DNA at Leeds Rhinos.

He embraced the culture living and breathing the club. Full of life, you don’t have to look far on the internet to find one of his classic dance videos or him enjoying Marching on Together.

Perhaps the best and most emotional instance of his signature march to Leeds’ signature dance was in his final game at Headingley when Leeds beat Hull KR to secure fifth spot in the league. But we should look back and remember his Wembley march too. Clearly the Challenge Cup win meant a great deal to him. He’d played a key role in the final coming up with a lovely assist for Tom Briscoe and a key tackle at the end of the game.

He’d shown great emotional courage as well to overcome the passing of his mother during lockdown and that emotion poured out as he claimed the first trophy of his career with a club that clearly meant the world to him.

Despite the fact he’s moving on, it’s likely Leeds will always have a special place in his heart and it certainly seems the feeling is mutual.

There has been an emotional reaction from fans but perhaps the rawest and most pure reaction can be seen with his now former teammates.

Plenty of Leeds’ remaining stars yesterday took to social media to bid farewell to the big Tongan centre. All emotional, some were equal parts hilarious as they said goodbye to the life and soul of the Leeds dressing room for the last three years.

Luke Gale, who started his Leeds career on the left edge alongside Hurrell before the Tongan made the move to the right, congratulated Hurrell on the move to the Super League Champions but also made a hilarious request of the centre.

Richie Myler, who was already at Leeds when Hurrell arrived, made a similar request.

Meanwhile, Brad Dwyer, who often linked well with the centre on the back of maverick runs, also made a funny comment but he was clearly hurt by Hurrell’s departure.

Clearly, it’s been an emotional move both for Hurrell and his teammates. He won’t be forgotten by Leeds any time soon but a new challenge awaits at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

It’s all change at both St Helens and Leeds this year and much of that has hinged around Hurrell. His arrival will likely provide an extra bit of impact in the St Helens attack as they go for a fourth consecutive title whilst Hurrell’s vacated space on the salary cap at Leeds has seen them bring in four exciting signings as Leeds look to play in a first Grand Final for five years.