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Watch: 'This is how we are!' – Konrad Hurrell relishing returning to Tongan roots as he dances in the street and visits old school

October 13, 2017

The NRL star visited his old school in Nuku’alofa with his World Cup teammates.

Konrad Hurrell is rediscovering his roots alongside his Rugby League World Cup teammates in their trip home to Tonga ahead of next month's tournament - and he's loving every second of it.

Hurrell and the Tongan rugby league team have touched down in Nuku'alofa to train and have already immersed themselves in the culture.

Players were taken to a nearby local school, one Hurrell attended growing up, on the back of utes where they were welcomed by adoring fans.

The Titans centre has been in Tonga for two weeks, but was at the airport to welcome his teammates.

The whole experience was a sensation for Hurrell.

"Everything is still the same!" Hurrell said of his old school.

"This is where we grew up, this is how we are!"

Ata Hingano, Tui Lolohea and Sione Katoa spoke passionately about what returning to the island means to them and their family.

Hurrell said returning to Tonga wasn't just important for the players.

"When I was their age, I always wanted to be [a sport star].

"For them to see us come here, I guess it's a big opportunity for them to see themselves in that way as well - for us to come back here is a big thing."

Tonga's first World Cup match is against Scotland on October 29 in Cairns.

The NRL star arrived in the Tonga today as his side prepares for the Rugby League World Cup.

The former boxer and NRL player has joined the team in Tonga with his son Will named to captain the side.

Half of the Tongan squad arrived in Tonga today with Jason Taumalolo and rest set to arrive tomorrow

More coverage from Tonga

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