League
1News

'A little nation, but a big heart' – Konrad Hurrell says Tonga are loving being in NZ

October 31, 2017

Mate Ma'a Tonga are in Auckland ahead of their World Cup clash with Samoa. (Source: Other)

Tonga centre Konrad Hurrell is relishing his time being back in New Zealand, as his side prepare for their Rugby League World Cup clash with Samoa in Hamilton on Saturday.

Hurrell, 26, is in town with Mate Ma'a Tonga, returning to Auckland where he lived during his five seasons playing in the NRL with the Warriors.

"It's been good, last night was crazy - I guess it's been like that the last three weeks," he said.

"That's what we are, it's a little nation but a big heart - it's been good to be back."

League

SHARE ME

More Stories

Keano Kini dives over for a try for the Kiwis against Tonga at Eden Park.

Kiwis book final against Samoa with big win over Tonga

The Kiwis had too much firepower for Tonga in the playoff for a spot in the Pacific Championships final.

Sunday 8:30pm

Otesa Pule of the Kiwi Ferns charges forward during the Women's Pacific Championships match between Kiwi Ferns and Australian Jillaroos at Eden Park.

Kiwi Ferns lose to Jillaroos in tightly fought contest

Leading nations were separated by just one try in a game of quality defence and end-to-end action

Sunday 5:53pm

Apii Nicholls (captain) of the Warriors, One New Zealand Warriors Women v Parramatta Eels Women, round 2 of the Telstra NRL Women’s Premiership rugby league competition at Go Media Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand on Sunday 13 July 2025.

Reunited never felt so good for Kiwi Fern Apii Nicholls

Nicholls will on Sunday help lead New Zealand's charge against a red-hot Australia in the Pacific Cup.

Sat, Nov 1

Kiwis Dylan Brown - Pacific Championships rugby league test between New Zealand Kiwis v Toa Samoa at Go Media Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand. Sunday 19 October 2025

Rugby league: Kiwis keen to take their Pacific title chance

The New Zealand side hosts Tonga on Sunday at Auckland's Eden Park – where a win or a loss by less than 17 points will secure a place in next week's final.

Sat, Nov 1

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck of Samoa, Tonga XIII v To a Samoa, round 2 of the Pacific Championship rugby league match at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia on Sunday 26 October 2025.

League's eligibility rules will stay after Pacific rise

One year out from the 2026 World Cup, international rugby league is riding on a high after more than 120,000 people turned out for Test matches globally last weekend.

Fri, Oct 31

Tonga forward Leka Halasima.

'Pretend I don't know them': Tonga star Leka Halasima set for Kiwis clash

Tonga must win by at least 17 points at Eden Park on Sunday to advance to the final against Samoa on November 9 in Sydney.

Thu, Oct 30

Latest

Popular

8:30pm

Nelson Hospital ED expansion opened, but needs more staff

2:43

But there’s concerns ongoing staffing issues aren’t being addressed.

8:07pm

Firefighters tackle large house fire in Wellington

Fire generic.

7:53pm

Truck rams into bus in southern India, killing at least 20

Generic stock photo of an Indian police car

7:31pm

Unsuspecting workers find $12.6m of cocaine stashed in container

The cocaine was seized by police today.

7:00pm

Cost of specialists court reports surge over 60% over five years

2:42

A lack of psychiatrists means private providers are being called upon – and it’s costing thousands of dollars more.

6:48pm

Alarm as residents are tempted to remove weather-felled trees

2:12

Logging professionals are urging property owners to avoid doing the job alone and wait for help amid an influx of callouts.
1
2
3
4
5
6

More from Entertainment

Anna Sawai.

Kiwi actress Anna Sawai cast as Yoko Ono in Beatles biopic

The Emmy award-winner joins an all-star cast in Sam Mendes’ four-part film series exploring the lives and legacy of the Fab Four.

10:26am

Scotty Morrison, JP Foliaki, and Hayley Sproull were among the finalists.

Hayley Sproull, JP Foliaki, Scotty Morrison finalists for Screen Personality award

Sproull, who appeared on Taskmaster NZ, said she was "elated" by the nomination.

9:47am

Simon Dallow has presented TVNZ's flagship news programme for almost two decades.

TVNZ reveals new 6pm news presenter as Simon Dallow steps down

8:47am

Paul Henry returns to TVNZ for the first time in 15 years.

The Chase NZ: What to know about tonight's first episode

6:00am

Anne Hegarty and Issa Schutz (Composite image: Vania Chandrawidjaja, 1News)

How much do The Chase's Supernerd and Governess know about NZ? We quiz them

Sunday 6:00am