TONGAN test centre Konrad Hurrell has agreed to a further one-year contract extension at St Helens, keeping him in the red vee for the 2025 season – his fourth year at the club.

Saints had been waiting on Hurrell’s medical checks to proceed after the 2024 season ended prematurely after he suffered a neck injury which required surgery.

However, following those checks, the latest of which was conducted late last week, the club have confirmed Hurrell has been cleared to play in 2025 season and has begun pre-season with the rest of the team.

On signing on for another year, Hurrell said: “Firstly I'm grateful, grateful to Wello [Paul Wellens] and Rushy [Mike Rush – CEO] for giving me another opportunity to be involved in this great club. I am buzzing as well!

“It’s just a blessing to be around the boys again and get the opportunity to live my childhood dream again.”

It has been a tough journey back for Hurrell – with neck injuries difficult and delicate ones to deal with.

However, through that process Hurrell was grateful to have the support network around him as he dealt with surgery and recovery – particularly as he was coming off contract and did not want this to be the end.

“It was tough, tough to take it on the chin, but I guess that's what our sport is, sometimes it comes to that with a serious injury.

“The only option was to get the surgery on it.

“I was trying to put a smile on my face, but inside it was hurting. I didn't want to finish like that and I was fighting for that in the back of my head.

“I know a lot of people doubted that I would be back on the field. In my head, I didn't want to leave this great game like that.

“Fast forward, three or four months later, I’ve got the green light now and it has felt good.

“There were a lot of people that doubted that I'd be back in this position again.

“I'm glad that with the help from my partner, Bec, pushing me through those tough times, and being around the boys, they were so good to me, making it feel like I wasn't injured.

“Got the green light to be back in full contact and full training now, and I’m buzzing about it.”