NRL: Hurricane Hurrell inspires Warriors win

Shaun Johnson(L) of the Warriors celebrates a try during the round 18 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the New Zealand Warriors. Photo / Getty Images.

Warriors 32
Titans 14

A Konrad Hurrell hat-trick has inspired the Warriors to a 32-14 NRL win over the Titans at Skilled Park on the Gold Coast.

The 21 year old centre was unstoppable tonight -using his size, strength and speed to help the Warriors overcome a 14-4 first half deficit - increasing his try tally to 12 for the season and helping his side to a crucial win.

It boosts the Warriors into the top eight - jumping ahead of the Wests Tigers on points differential - and has opened the door for another trademark late season run.

It wasn't a vintage performance from the Warriors but it sure was entertaining, with the unstoppable brute strength of Hurricane Hurrell, the magic skip of Shaun Johnson, but also the handling errors, poor completion rate and inconsistency which has so often plagued their season.

Hurrell scored the opener from the Warriors first set of six but his side quickly went off the boil as the Titans bossed the next 20 minutes.

Beau Champion, Kevin Gordon and David Mead all touched down in quick succession before the Warriors flicked their switch again.

Johnson produced a scintillating show and go, using strength, speed and guile to side step the Titans defence and pull the Warriors back into the match.

Hurrell then picked up the next two - seemingly forcing his body over the line at will from close range.

Ben Matulino increased the buffer to 12 points in the 60th minute before Kevin Locke made the points safe with his second of the night.

- HERALD ONLINE