Konrad Hurrell wants St Helens to stay after finding out what a derby with Wigan means

KONRAD Hurrell can’t get enough of the game that coined the term derby – so much so that he wants another year of it.

Tonga center is calm about the course of negotiations for a further 12-month extension in St Helens. So relaxed that he’s not even a part of them.

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

And as for him, he will be a saint in 2024.

Hurrell said: “Hopefully I’ll stay next year. It’s not my fault, it’s my manager’s fault.

“I just have to talk on the pitch and whatever comes up there comes up, but in my head right now I’m hoping to stay at St Helens.

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

“It started with the fans. They told me the only games we shouldn’t lose are the Grand Final and against Wigan.

“It’s that big and the first win last year was a good feeling.

“And while I don’t think we owe them anything after they win this year’s Good Friday game – we do have to give them something.

“They suffered a tough defeat on Saturday so they will be a real challenge for us – and beating them would be a real message.”

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

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“Things didn’t start out so well this year but it’s good to go into a game as big as Wigan with a result like that against Huddersfield.

“They suffered a tough defeat against the Catalans but that will make it even more difficult.”

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

But the man who plays in the middle of the England winger doesn’t deserve credit – and is happy to take it when he’s yelled at.

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

“It makes my job easier. Everyone thinks I’m playing well, but I’m just fine being around them.

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

“Sometimes I’ll call it a day, but someone like Jonny keeps me on track, or Tommy or Joe! They make me play by their standards.”