Konrad Hurrell, a former NRL centre for the Gold Coast Titans and New Zealand Warriors, has agreed to a new contract that will allow him to remain overseas for an extra 12 months.

Coming off a serious neck injury that required surgery, Hurrell has signed a one-year contract extension with St Helens RLFC, where he has become a fan-favourite at the club since he arrived in 2022.

Last playing in the NRL in 2018, the 12-time Tongan international was a powerhouse in the centres and was extremely quick for his size but lacked consistency and struggled to keep himself in shape.

This saw him play 71 matches and score 41 tries for the New Zealand Warriors (2012-16) and 45 matches and 14 tries for the Gold Coast Titans (2016-18). He also was selected to represent the World All-Stars in 2016.

โ€œFirstly, I'm grateful, grateful to Wello [Paul Wellens] and Rushy [Mike Rush โ€“ CEO] for giving me another opportunity to be involved in this great club. I am buzzing as well!" he told saintsrlfc.com.

โ€œIt's just a blessing to be around the boys again and get the opportunity to live my childhood dream again.โ€

Tonga v Wales: Rugby League World Cup
ST HELENS, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 24: Konrad Hurrell of Tonga is tackled by Rhys Williams of Wales during the Rugby League World Cup 2021 Pool D match between Tonga and Wales at Totally Wicked Stadium on October 24, 2022 in St Helens, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Last playing in theย NRLย in 2018, Hurrell has spent the last six seasons overseas in theย Super Leagueย with theย Leeds Rhinosย (2019-21) before making the move toย St Helens RLFCย (2022-).

At St Helens, he won the 2022ย Super Leagueย title and scored against theย Penrith Panthersย in the 2023 World Club Challenge before teammate and newย South Sydney Rabbitohsย playmakerย Lewis Doddย kicked a field goal to cement the win.

โ€œSince I've come into the Club, I had to compete, I had to fight for the number or the jersey, but I think this year is a bit more special because it's the boys that grew up in the Academy of the Club," he added.

"They are very hungry for that number or that shirt, and I think it's more special to me to see that.

โ€œThese young guns are fighting for this jerseyโ€ฆ They will never back down; they'll be in Wello's ears for the whole freaking season too!

"So I've got to stay focused, just because I've got the number three doesn't mean your spot is cemented. Wello's told us all that.โ€