Hit the road Jake, as Broncos flick Turpin
JAKE Turpin’s career at the Broncos is over.
Turpin will not be offered a new deal by the Broncos – and his rumoured move to Brisbane’s opponent this week, Newcastle, has also fallen through in a setback for the tough-as-nails hooker.
The off-contract Turpin goes into Saturday night’s clash against the Knights at Suncorp Stadium with his NRL future in limbo as the Broncos build their future around Billy Walters, Cory Paix and young gun Blake Mozer in the No. 9 jumper.
Just 12 months ago, Turpin was one of Brisbane’s most decorated players, winning the club’s most consistent award after turning out for 22 games, more than any other Bronco during a turbulent 2021 campaign.
But the curtain is falling on Turpin’s career at Red Hill, with the Broncos opting not to table a new deal despite the tough-tackling rake fighting his way into Brisbane’s starting 17 over the past six weeks.
Turpin has been Brisbane’s starting hooker in their past two losses against the Tigers and Roosters, but with the club in negotiations to extend Walters, the 25-year-old must find a new home next season.
“At the moment, there is nothing for Jake with us for next year unfortunately,” Broncos coach Kevin Walters said. “The reality is it was going to be hard to keep Jake.
“We have Billy (Walters) and Cory Paix in our squad at the moment, so as much as you would love to keep all your players, with the salarycap it’s difficult.
“’Turps’ has played some great games for the Broncos and he is good at those little effort areas, particularly in defence, but with our roster, we don’t have any spots left for the hooker position.”
The contract snub caps a dramatic fall from grace for Turpin.
Just last season, he made his captaincy debut for the Broncos, leading them in three games, and he entered the 2022 season as Brisbane’s standout hooker after a fine 2021 campaign at Red Hill.
But Turpin paid the price for Brisbane’s early-season form woes, losing his spot to Walters and Paix after six rounds, prompting the hooker to ask for a mid-season release in June, which was granted by the Broncos.
Turpin was tipped to follow former Broncos teammate Anthony Milford to the Knights, but the move never eventuated. Newly-appointed Newcastle football boss Peter Parr said the Knights will not be throwing Turpin a lifeline for the 2023 season.
Turpin has amassed 55 first-grade games since his debut in 2018 and the former Melbourne hooker would be a handy asset with his workrate, hitting power and bravery in defence.
Turpin has been linked with Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins by virtue of his stint at Redcliffe in the Queensland Cup, but the new NRL franchise has not tabled an offer for him at this stage.
Walters said the Broncos are happy to honour Turpin’s existing deal in the run to the finals.
“Turps wanted to try to get more game time at another club to secure something for next year,” he said.