No two ways about it I'm a huge Konrad Hurrell fan, always have been and always will be.
I know Konrad has his detractors and critics and is the butt of many pie eating or fat jokes but sometimes I think it's not warranted and way over the top but that's just my opinion people can say what the hell they like each to their own.
The only thing I can think of that I dislike is his reading of the defense he gets caught in two minds whether it's sliding, compressed or scrambling he has issues and can be a liability but half the farkin team are defensive liabilities, to use that as the sole issue against him is ludicrous and is the cop out excuse.
The comparisons with Konnie and Meninga are totally unfair and put unnecessary pressure on him, the only comparisons I see are the offensive game, linebreaking ability, big easter island heads and thunder thighs but their worlds apart in terms of league nous.
Mal Meninga was the complete package, a truly gifted specimen had all the key components of a great, hardness, physical, calm and composed, calculating, inspiring, powerful, intimidating, presence, stamina , goalkicker, try scorer, captain, the works you name it, Konrad is nowhere near Meninga's greatness and probably never will be, also totally different backgrounds and upbringings.
As a player not many opponents targetted Mal offensively or defensively he was a massive force he could really hurt people either way so when Konnie reaches anywhere near that level of intimidation he will be well on his way to becoming a great and I have huge confidence he will achieve big things by the end of his career
A person of Konrad's thickness and bulk should be dominating in defense but he doesn't have that desire to rip in and hurt people if he did we wouldn't have much to complain about but it's always going to be a work in progress, he needs to learn attitude and anger because it's not natural to him to be angry but with time and experience he will become better at reading the opposition defensively, that is his major weakness it's no secret.
A couple of examples who I can think of who were absolutely terrific offensive weapons when they first came into first grade were Jennings and Hodges they were both unbelievable attackers but wouldn't tackle a fly in their early days, over time they have become defensively sound but they were horrific at first, Konrad has those same traits, brilliant attack but a liability on defense, it can be worked on but it's a long process and can only be learnt with time, both those players had trouble holding down spots when they first came into first grade too.
Let's think of Konnies strengths, he's an attacking weapon probably the most fearsome attacking centre in our history, line breaker, match winner, he loves the offensive physicality and chance to hurt opponents by bumping at weak shoulders, his ball control is sublime and there's hardly ever any loose carries, he's solid in that department no doubt.
Konrad's distribution game is a work in progress but the evidence is there to suggest long term he will be a master at that art, he gave a glimpse of his potential setting Fisiiahi away for a few tries in Welly against the Tigers, pure class and another weapon to add to his running game, the only blight is still that defense.
Konnie to me seems your stereotypical happy go lucky island boy, never wired or amped just a free spirit who would rather hang with mates and chill and that's all good,it's knowing when to flick that switch from casual to business, at home with friends and family social network go for your life at training and game day nothing but full concentration and dedication,out with instagram and smiles, in with intensity and focus , after the game it's back to happy chappys whatevers
I would take away all the grand expectations we have of him because he's never going to be a pearl Renouf or ferrari Ettingshausen he's a stocky big boned farkin Tongan boy with slow metabolism brought up on the island diet and lifestyle ,all the pro supplements and advice in the world can't break habits of a lifetime, most maoris and pacific islanders gain 10 to 20 pounds around new years and christmas you try saying no thanks to your village chief or kaumatua when they offer you food, that would be the most disrespectful thing you could do and could lead to a beheading so best he avoids those traditional gatherings and head to subway instead
Warriors recruitment should be proud they invested in an unknown youngster from union who could potentially go on to be one of our best ever players if we persevere and dedicate time to him, Konrad is still maturing and developing he's the type of player you build a club around not dispose of because of shortcomings, he's one of the best talents we've had come through our system to lose him would be a disgusting day in Warriors history.
For me I would never consider releasing or trading Konrad under any circumstances, as many have mentioned all that would do is open ourselves up to him coming back and destroying us year after year, I want him to reach his full potential here not at another club, I would sign him to a long term contract and get specialist coaches in to help him in areas he needs improvement I would never release him on the perception he's just a bad defender or lazy, that's fixable.
