BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 10: Jake Turpin of the Broncos passes the ball during the round nine NRL match between the Sea Eagles and Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on May 10, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Off-contract Bronco Jake Turpin has quickly become one of the most sought-after players this season as six rival clubs are showing interest, according to The Daily Telegraph.
Not even seven months ago, Turpin was one of the lowest-paid players in the NRL, with a contract worth roughly $70,000, and not apart of Brisbane’s 30-man full time squad. Fast forward to the present and the 22-year-old has emerged as Brisbane’s solution to positional issues the side has suffered during the season.
Originally signed as a hooker, Turpin has filled the gaps where needed for the Broncos, lining up at dummy-half and across the halfback, filling in for teammates such as Anthony Milford and Sean O’Sullivan. Turpin will line up in the Broncos halves during his 11th career game when his side faces the Bulldogs this Thursday.
The Broncos originally offered Turpin a one-year deal, however, it is speculated that rival clubs, such as the Bulldogs, have offered Turpin a three-year package, reports The Daily Telegraph. Turpin’s future at the Broncos is dependent on what opposition clubs are prepared to offer him as well as Brisbane’s salary cap position.
“There has been a bit of interest from a number of clubs,” Seibold told The Daily Telegraph. “But we have made Jake an offer and we are working towards retaining him.”
While several teams are eyeing off Turpin, he hopes the Broncos put forward a palatable deal so he can remain with Brisbane.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do yet,” he said.
“I love playing for the Broncos. It’s the club I grew up supporting, so it’s a dream come true to even play for them.
“With my contract, I don’t know yet when it will be finalised. I’ll focus on my footy and if I’m doing well there it will sort itself out.
“My preference is to stay. I like it here, mum and dad live an hour-and-a-half away from Brisbane so my family are close enough.
“I will sit down with the Broncos and my manager and sort out what I want to do in the next few weeks.”
If the Broncos wish to hold on to the reliable Turpin, as well as keep their finals hopes alive, they must defeat Canterbury this Thursday night.