By Dylan Moran
The Warriors have named another strong squad for Saturday's second NRL trial against the Rabbitohs in Coffs Harbour - with Manu Vatuvei back from all-stars duty and Kevin Locke and Russell Packer getting their first run of the year.
Also included is impressive youngster Konrad Hurrell, who's knocking on the door of first grade.
2012 has started off on a high for Hurrell, debuting for the Warriors and scoring the first try of their pre-season, a stark contrast to missing out on the national junior team last year because of immigration issues.
But the twenty-year-old says his raw talent still needs to be refined for first grade.
Brian “Bluey” McLennan, the man he needs to impress most, has a high regard for the youngster.
“He’s very difficult to tackle, he’s infectious in his enthusiasm, he’s a lovely kid and he’s gonna be a good player is this boy,” the coach says.
Hurrell played schoolboy rugby for Auckland Grammar before switching codes 18 months ago, becoming an integral part of last year's Toyota Cup winning Junior Warriors.
“We just gotta nurse him along and help him be the best he can be,” McLennan says.
A centre who trialled on the wing in the weekend - Hurrell's explosive power is sure to have him vying for a taste of NRL sooner rather than later.
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