Reading the Chris Rattue article in todays Herald I have to wonder if he gets his stories from this forum?
If Konrad Hurrell is the Warriors' saviour then quick, get me out of here.
Hurrell is a human bulldozer, especially when there is a table of food about. He represents what is wrong with the Warriors - a player of immense strength and potential who won't give everything for the cause.
Just like halfback
Shaun Johnson, Hurrell could be a superstar who brings a title to Mt Smart Stadium. Or is that Eden Park? Just like
Johnson, he won't. They don't have enough heart and desperation for the league trenches.
Hurrell is off the reserve grade naughty chair and in the first grade travelling squad for Saturday night's clash against the Cowboys in Townsville, having turned up to work this year 10kg overweight. That's an incredible effort - maybe he was mainlining doughnuts.
It's a long flight to Townsville, a journey full of snacks. It's hot in Townsville. This is not a good recipe for Hurrell's return.
If he does play, Hurrell will power over for a try with a pack of Cowboys on his back and sweat pouring down his brow. He'll make a few tackles then plant hands on knees. Then he'll turn to stone as Johnathan Thurston aims fit and fast runners his way.
Johnson, who plays in a central control position, is an even bigger problem who is turning into a club killer. He got too many accolades too soon. He is too talented to drop, not strong enough to lead. People will still be talking about
Johnson's potential when he is 28.
From now on, the Warriors must look beyond the obvious no matter how tempting the goodies appear to be. If a player has extreme skills, he needs a fierce determination as well. Okay, this is only one angle in a sea of theories about this dud of a club, one which was originally touted as the next Brisbane-style force. For years, there have been calls for more tough Australians in the mix.
For years it's been a matter of honour to resist and point out the pea-hearted Aussies who've added to the woes. A lot of us would love to hear a few louder ticks from Feleti Mateo's direction.
But the majority of the Warriors' tough footballers with a nous for the game, who have set the tone, have been Australians or New Zealanders who learned their trade across the ditch. Price, Campion, Luck, Wiki ... the search must go on.
There is a fatal flaw in our home-based development system. The players aren't forged in a furnace, like the young Aussies are. Unfortunately, stout Simon Mannering-types are exceptions to the rule.
The Warriors might go the whole hog, and be an Aussie franchise abroad with strong Auckland benefits. They need to find the next Paul Gallen, and they ain't going to find him here.
Maybe frustration is taking over, leading to cliches. These are the words I never wanted to write - the Warriors need more tough Aussies.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11222636