It has been a week headlined by a distraction the Warriors could probably have done without, but the tungsten-tough club is determined not to let the latest news item involving them affect their preparation for Saturday's game with the Raiders.
Despite a scandal involving vision of a sex act involving Konrad Hurrell and a New Zealand actress, the player has been named by coach Andrew McFadden to start at right centre for the clash at Eden Park.
"We have dealt with a lot of distractions over the last few months and we will get through it," McFadden told NRL.com.
"It is probably embarrassing for Konrad, but we all make mistakes, he has made one and will have to live with the consequences of that.
"But in terms of having any impact on the rest of the team, I don't think that should happen."
Hurrell has since apologised, been fined $5000 and sanctioned over the social media post, with Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah saying the investigation had now been completed.
"Konrad is full of remorse over what has happened," said Scurrah. "While the incident involved two consenting adults, his action in sharing the content with others was unacceptable and inappropriate."
Hurrell has also personally apologised for the incident, via a statement from the club.
"I am so sorry this has happened and want to apologise for the trouble I have caused," said Hurrell.
"I've embarrassed the club, my teammates, the members and most of all my family. I made a bad decision but I will learn from this."
It has been an up-and-down year for Hurrell, who arrived at pre-season training 10kg overweight and spent the opening rounds playing in the NSW Cup as a result.
In five NRL matches this year the Tongan World Cup star has averaged 12 runs and three tackle breaks, but continues to be dogged by defensive frailties.
McFadden said the leaked video of Hurrell was a timely reminder to young players about the potential pitfalls of social media.
"Most definitely, they get a lot of education on this but they are young men, they have physically mature bodies but maybe not in the mind."
