Konrad Hurrell eyes St Helens stay after finding out what derby with Wigan means

KONRAD Hurrell cannot get enough of the match that coined the term derby – so much so, he wants another year of it.

The Tonga centre is relaxed about how negotiations over another 12-month St Helens extension are going. So relaxed, he is not even part of them.

But the thrill of being part of the rivalry with Wigan has added a new dimension to his experiences of life in the UK.

And as far as he is concerned, he will be a Saint in 2024.

Hurrell said: “Hopefully I stay next year. It’s not me doing the talking, it’s up to my manager.

“I just need to do my talking on the field and whatever comes up, comes up but in my head at the moment, I hope I stay with St Helens.

“Saints v Wigan is even bigger than I thought it was. I thought it wasn’t that big until I signed with us!

“That started with the fans. They told me the only games they didn’t want us to lose were the Grand Final and against Wigan.

“That’s how big it is and winning my first one last year was a good feeling.

“And while I don’t think we owe them one after they won this year’s Good Friday game - but we need to give them one.

“They had a tough loss on Saturday, so they’ll come really hard for us – and beating them would be a real message.

“Win tonight after winning at Magic Weekend and we’re back on track. We looked like us at Newcastle.

“This year things didn’t go that well at the start but it’s good to go into a big game like Wigan on the back of a result like the one against Huddersfield.

“They’re coming off the back of a tough loss against Catalans but if anything, that will make it even harder.”

Hurrell and St Helens certainly have a man in form as Tommy Makinson looks to follow up his 28-point haul against Huddersfield against his home town team.

But the man playing inside the England winger is not taking all the credit – and is happy to accept being screamed at.

Hurrell, 31, added: “It’s not just me, there’s Jonny Lomax and Joe Batchelor – but Tommy is the best winger in Super League.

“That makes my job easier. Everyone thinks I’m playing well but I’m just doing well because I’m around them.

“They pull me up to their standards and make me keep up with them. Tommy also tells me what he wants from me and that’s good for me.

“Sometimes I’d clock off but someone like Jonny makes sure I stay on it, or Tommy or Joe! They get me to play to their standards.”