NRL: Hurrell's focus on helping Warriors to finish well

Konrad Hurrell has played only seven games so far in an injury-shortened season. Photo / Getty Images

Centre welcomes return of Tupou and says he looks forward to facing former Kangaroos test star.

Konrad Hurrell's return to the Warriors has been a familiar theme throughout this season.

The Sharks visit Mt Smart today and it's the first time Hurrell and Anthony Tupou will face each other since Hurrell was suspended for three games in May for raising his knee as Tupou tried to tackle him.

Tupou told Australian media this week he'd moved on from the incident which left him with a broken jaw.

The former Kangaroos test star couldn't speak for three weeks and he couldn't eat properly.

The Warriors said they would help Hurrell to change his running style and the 23-year-old centre admitted he still thinks about what happened.

"Obviously I've been thinking about it but I'm just happy that he's back playing and doing what he loves to do best," said Hurrell. "He's straight back into a top side.

"It's been good to see him back on the field running. His first game was last week and he'll be tough to face but I'm looking forward to it. It's my first game back in a couple of weeks and I just want to focus on my game."

Hurrell has played only seven games this season and his return to the NRL this weekend comes as a welcome boost for the Warriors, who've struggled to maintain a regular backline all season long. Injuries to David Fusitua and Shaun Johnson have forced Andrew McFadden to revamp his backline again.

Hurrell's recovered from his shoulder injury in training a few weeks ago and he was due to return last weekend but he was cited for a grade one charge in the New South Wales Cup the week before, meaning he was suspended for Manly's visit to Auckland.

Hurrell revealed his frustrations had got the better of him but he's now ready to move on and help the Warriors strengthen their position.

"The incident ... obviously wasn't a good look for myself but I've had the week off and now I'm back into it.

"The shoulder's good. When it happened I thought it would be worse but it's only been a couple of weeks. I'm back and I'm ready to go," Hurrell said.

"It hasn't been a great year for me but hopefully we'll finish the job well and get in the top eight. This is now a good chance for me to finish the year well and we can now put our best foot forward."

Hurrell was another player who could only watch as the Warriors fell apart last weekend against Manly but his return will strengthen their right edge and help to compensate for the loss of Shaun Johnson.

Ken Maumalo comes into the side to play on the right wing alongside Hurrell after impressing in the New South Wales Cup.

"The guys they've picked in the squad have been picked for a reason. The boys still have faith in themselves.

"It was pretty frustrating and watching some of the other injured boys was disappointing. It's a shame about Shaun and he'll be a big loss but we've got to start moving forward."