News Titans signing Konrad Hurrell spoke with media manager Neil Cadigan today about his journey from Tonga where he grew up to his arrival on the Gold Coast.
The 24-year-old explains how he left Tonga as a 17-year-old to take up a rugby union scholarship in Auckland while still at school, before first playing league for the Warriors under-20s.
He is excited to have his second big life challenge, trying to re-establish himself with the Titans.
"The first change ["moving from Tonga] was a lot harder than coming here," he said. Ï grew up in Tonga my whole life and at 17, turning 18, I moved to New Zealand', Auckland for a scholarship playing footy and school as well. It was hard at first because I could understand English but couldnt talk back and reply much if I had a convesation.
I hadn't been anywhere else and moved to a big city. That was in 2009-10 ... and I was 19 turning 20 before I had my first league season."
He wants to work hard to prove to himself in the Titans team and looks forward to playing his first 80 minutes fo 2016, whether it be this Sunday against the Rabbitohs (he has been chosen as 18th man) or in ensuing weeks.
"Everyone knows me as the big runner, I know, but I want to concentrate in being consistent and playing 80 minutes every week and improve my defence too,"he said.
"I am excited to be under this new coach and that he wants to bring the best out of me.
Click PLAY to watch the interview.
