Barnstorming centre Konrad Hurrell has used his enforced month on the sidelines to put himself in what he rates as the best shape of his NRL career.
Hurrell is set to make his return for the Warriors against the Sydney Roosters after completing a three-match ban for a raised knee that broke Cronulla back-rower Anthony Tupou's jaw.
A bye stretched the suspension period to four weeks, during which he has worked on taking the knee lift out of his running style and also done extra training.
"It's just good for myself to get back fit and fast," he said.
"I think this is the best shape I've ever been in my career."
Apart from a leaner body, Hurrell will also sport a new facial look against the Roosters in Auckland on Saturday night.
The beard that the 23-year-old Tonga international had been growing for several months in aid of Cure Kids was shaved off this week.
Hurrell was inspired to raise money for the charity after meeting eight-year-old Auckland girl Leka Ma'u, a leukaemia sufferer, last year.
Coach Andrew McFadden has wasted no time in restoring Hurrell to the club's first-grade side and praised what the player had done as he waited to get back on the field.
"Konrad has worked really, really hard," McFadden said.
"He's leaned up in his short time off and he can give us some X-factor."
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