Raring to go - Konrad Hurrell delighted with Leeds Rhinos' return to training

The centre’s blockbusting charges, often over defenders rather than around them, have delighted supporters and the feeling is clearly mutual.

As much as for his 17 tries and growing left-side partnership with winger Ash Handley, Hurrell has become famous for singing along to ‘Marching on Together’ - even if he hasn’t quite learned all the lyrics yet - when Leeds take the field and his habit of high-fiving fans in the stands after the final whistle.

The 28-year-old marquee import has clearly thrived on Emerald Headingley’s unique atmosphere, but while the surroundings will be unchanged, there will be a different vibe when Leeds return to action in 13 days’ time.

Their first game after the near five-month coronavirus layoff will be played behind closed doors, when Huddersfield Giants visit Headingley on Sunday, August 2.

The third match in an opening triple-header will be a unique experience for everyone involved, but Hurrel’s strategy is to concentrate on the game rather than the occasion, or lack of it.

“It is going to be very weird, playing in front of no crowd, but we have just got to deal with it and get the wins,” Hurrell insisted.

“We have just got to focus on us, I think everyone knows that.

“We can’t worry about the crowd, we just have to work on what we need to work on.

“We need to get the win and hopefully the crowds will come back later.

“They [Giants started great so it will be a challenge to play them, but hopefully we will turn up when it comes to game time.”

Super League hope spectators could be allowed back as early as September and Hurrell admitted: “The boys appreciate the fans, they can’t come and watch the game, but they are still buying tickets, because they want us to do well.

“We love what they have given us and we hope soon we’ll get to see them in the stadium, cheering us on.”

Hurrell, who joined Rhinos from Gold Coast Titans ahead of the 2019 season, suffered a family tragedy when his mother died last month, but said he is “all good” and raring to get back on the field.

Rhinos will be chasing a fifth successive win in what is officially an away fixture against Huddersfield.

After a heavy home defeat by Hull in round one, they ran in 176 points and conceded just 30 in victories over Hull KR, Salford Red Devils, Warrington Wolves and Toronto Wolfpack.

Hurrell, who scored Rhinos’ final try before the sport’s shutdown, in the 66-12 thrashing of Toronto, reckons they are capable of picking straight up from where they left off.

“We have got two weeks to work on that,” he said.

“I feel we can, we can get back to what we had at the start of the year.

“It’s not just us, all the boys will be getting excited to come back to training.

“Everyone’s in the same boat, I reckon it will be a bit dusty in the first couple of games, but I think the boys will turn it back up.

“We are still improving, we are a new team this year, but I think we will get better and better.”

Leeds resumed training, for the first time since March, five days ago.

Hurrell said: “It is good to be back with the boys, it has been too long.

“We had a good start this year before the break so it is good to get back among it and all the boys are looking good coming back, which makes it a lot better.

“It is good that everyone is excited to get back into it. I think all the coaches have been pleased how everyone turned up, that makes things easier.”

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Laura Collins