It sounds like there's more mileage in swapping Hurrell to the right-centre spot, in which he has defended well enough at international level. Delaney to the forwards worked because he was too slow at centre yet seemed to have a massive work-rate until injuries got the better of him. I'm not convinced in Hurrell's case, but then again I was wrong at the time on Delaney.
I like Hurrell, but he's massively frustrating to watch, especially when the team goes into its shell. There were a handful of games early last year in which the 'chuck it to Hurrell and hope' tactic bore some fruit (the game when he scored some spectacular tries - HKR?; also the game we nearly won against Saints), but all SL teams are wise to this now. With better halves I'd hope that we can use him more effectively this year, giving him good ball in space, but we need more collective effort from others to create these opportunities. That is down to team spirit, structures and coaching. Too early to judge from one game, however bad it was. Hurrell at least deserves more of a chance given his early injury on Sunday.
As an individual Hurrell brings lots of positive qualities. I'd like to see some evidence he's working on the ball-retention issue. The odd knock-on is forgivable, and whilst I understand he's become a target for 'hands-in' plays he has to take more responsibility for this himself, especially as a marquee player. He needs to channel his enthusiasm better, much like Brad Dwyer. I thought he was harshly penalised for dragging the Hull player back over the in-goal line, but the bigger point remains that if you're not confident of the outcome the energy is better directed in other areas (i.e. getting set in defence).
I think his net contribution last year was way more positive than negative. At the same time, he's been embarrassed by some other players, Naiqama for instance, who may have made better signings for us. Needless to say, Hurrell needs to prove he can cut it again this season. At the same time the rest of the team need to take the pressure off him as our only attacking weapon - it's too much of a burden for one guy to carry alone!