St Helens star Konrad Hurrell has confirmed that his season is over after a neck injury with the charismatic centre posting the news on his social media.
Hurrell took to X, formerly Twitter, after his St Helens boss Paul Wellens had confirmed to the media that the Tongan would not take to the field again in 2024 following a neck injury sustained in the loss to Salford Red Devils.
Since that defeat against the Devils, St Helens have lost the following three and have been forced to use different centre combinations with Hurrell being just one of several injuries that the club has sustained of late.
Taking to X, Hurrell posted: “Rugby league in it. S***e that my season is over but big man will be back. Thank you and appreciate you all for the love.”
Hurrell will turn 33 in August and is also out of contract at the end of the season, prompting questions not just about if he has played his last St Helens game but also the last of his career.
Hurrell’s post on Twitter came in the aftermath of Paul Wellens’ press conference ahead of St Helens’ game against Leigh Leopards this Friday in which he provided an injury update.
The Saints’ manager said that Hurrell will require surgery, citing “bruising around the spinal cord” as the cause of the center’s injury.
Wellens told SaintsTV: “Konrad has got a bit of a neck issue there which requires surgery which in terms of 2024 means that is probably season done for him.
“In the immediate future, it’s not great but when you’re talking about something as serious as that then obviously we respect the situation and will ensure that Konrad gets the surgery and the repairs done in that situation.
“Obviously, it is hugely disappointing for us as a team and even more so for Konrad who just loves playing for this team and representing this club. He’s disappointed he can’t finish the season but we’ll support him and make sure he makes a full recovery.”
Asked in May about a possible contract for Hurrell, Wellens said: “Absolutely, if he keeps playing like that. Konrad’s biggest challenge has always been keeping himself fit and keeping himself on top of his physical capabilities. When he does that, he’s as effective as anyone in the competition.”
As it stands, his future beyond 2024 remains unclear.
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