The partner of former NRL player Konrad Hurrell has paid a moving tribute on social media after he confirmed his retirement from rugby league after 14 seasons. A blockbusting centre who became a cult hero, Hurrell played 116 games in the NRL from 2012 to 2018.
He played 71 for the New Zealand Warriors and 45 for the Gold Coast Titans before moving to the English Super League. He finishes up with 257 first-grade games to his name after stints with Leeds Rhinos, St Helens, Halifax, Swinton, Bradford and Lézignan Sangliers (in France), and also played 13 Test matches for Tonga.
Konrad Hurrell’s partner Bec paid a moving tribute after he confirmed his retirement. Image: Getty/Bec Bates
News of his retirement came to light last week, but he only confirmed it in recent days. He wrote on social media: “A massive thank you for giving me the opportunity to live my childhood dream. I have enjoyed every moment of it. I have made a decision to retire and focus on chasing my kids around.
“This game have given me a lot in the last 14 years and I will always be thankful for that. To all the players I have met on the way, appreciate all the love you have given me. It’s been a pleasure to put on the jersey with you all.”
To his partner Bec he wrote: “I seriously wouldn’t get this far without you. Making a decision to move all the way to the other side of the world if you weren’t by my side I don’t think I would’ve last a year. I can’t wait for our next chapter in life.”
Konrad Hurrell during a game for the Gold Coast Titans in 2018.
(Chris Hyde)Partner and fellow NRL stars pay tribute to Konrad Hurrell
Bec paid tribute to Hurrell in her own post, writing: “What a ride the last 9 years have been. I’m so grateful to have been on this journey with you – the highs and lows and all the things that people don’t see in between, it’s shaped us and gotten us to where we are now.
“You have so much to be proud of – 7 years in the NRL and 7 years in Super League. Representing your country time and time again, winning the Challenge Cup, the Super League Grand Final, League Leaders and a World Club Challenge. You have accomplished so much and impacted so many – there is truly nobody like you.
“The way you build relationships with everyone around you is a true testament to your character. Even when you don’t speak the language. You’ve made your family proud and will continue to do so.”
Hurrell was part of the Tonga team that famously beat Australia in 2019 – the first time a Tier-2 nation had beaten Australia in a rugby league Test match since 1978. He was also part of the St Helens team that beat the Penrith Panthers on their home turf to win the World Club Challenge in 2023 – the only major trophy the Panthers have failed to win despite their four-straight NRL premierships.
Past and present teammates Will Hopoate, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Beau Ryan, Manu Vatuvei, Tyson Frizell and Haumole Olakau’atu all paid tribute to Hurrell and wrote messages of congratulations.