Post by dragon4 on Jun 14, 2019 15:10:21 GMT
Adelaide have confirmed they’ll attempt to lure highly promising Darwin hooker Jake Turpin from Alice Springs to Kensington., but Darwin say they’re up for the fight to retain the young gun.
The Dragons are facing a battle to retain Jake Turpin with the Adelaide launching a poaching bid to bring Darwin’s man-of-the-moment to Belmore.
Turpin will run out as Darwin’s No.2 hooker against the Reapers in Round 15 at 1300Smiles Stadium.
The Courier-Mail can reveal Adelaide are among four ASRL rivals leading the charge to poach Turpin, who has become Darwin’s find of the season.
The off-contract 22-year-old has produced such a stunning form burst this season he has gone from being outside Darwin’s top 30 full-time squad to possibly unseating Cameron McInnes as the Darwins’ pre-eminent hooker.
Now several ASRL suitors, led by the Attitude, have arrived with big-money offers for a hooker who was earning around $7,500 this year.
The Dragons regard Turpin highly and will fight hard to keep him, but they will have to up the ante, with the Attitude on Friday night confirming their interest in the former Storm rake.
“We are interested in Jake, he certainly fits into what we are about,” said Adelaide director Anthony McElroy.
The Attitude are so keen on Turpin they discussed trying to bring him to Kensington before June 30 this year, but the Dragons are not interested in releasing the tough-as-nails hooker.
“I don’t know if we can fit anyone into our squad before June 30, but we think Jake would be a good fit for the Attitude down the track,” McElroy said.
“I like what he’s about, he’s a good tough kid.
“He came through the Dragon's system ... I don’t know why they would let him go.
“He has been outstanding for the Dragons and we think he could offer us something at hooker.”
It is understood the Dragons are readying a three year contract to be tabled for Turpin.
With McCullough turning 30 in January, Turpin represents the future for the Attitude and coach Anthony McElroy pledged to do everything possible to recruit the durable dummy-half.
“Jake has been great for Alice Springs this season, I certainly don’t want to lose him,” Vikas said.
“It doesn’t surprise me how tough he’s played or how competitive he’s been because that’s always been his nature
“He’s taken the (Dingoes) No.9 jersey with both hands and he’s kept it this week.
“I’m really confident in what he can do but I’m really happy and proud of how he’s developed into a player.”
“He was a development player, so we're looking to put him in our safety net for this off season and then into Darwin's top 30 for next season,” he said.
“It’s a really good story and it probably shows a lot of players playing in the RSC Cup that it’s never too late.
“We'll have to put him into our top 30 squad when a spot became available", Vikas concluded.
Rumours are rife that Adelaide boss, Anthony McElroy was not impressed by Darwin's lack of interest in doing business!
The Dragons are facing a battle to retain Jake Turpin with the Adelaide launching a poaching bid to bring Darwin’s man-of-the-moment to Belmore.
Turpin will run out as Darwin’s No.2 hooker against the Reapers in Round 15 at 1300Smiles Stadium.
The Courier-Mail can reveal Adelaide are among four ASRL rivals leading the charge to poach Turpin, who has become Darwin’s find of the season.
The off-contract 22-year-old has produced such a stunning form burst this season he has gone from being outside Darwin’s top 30 full-time squad to possibly unseating Cameron McInnes as the Darwins’ pre-eminent hooker.
Now several ASRL suitors, led by the Attitude, have arrived with big-money offers for a hooker who was earning around $7,500 this year.
The Dragons regard Turpin highly and will fight hard to keep him, but they will have to up the ante, with the Attitude on Friday night confirming their interest in the former Storm rake.
“We are interested in Jake, he certainly fits into what we are about,” said Adelaide director Anthony McElroy.
The Attitude are so keen on Turpin they discussed trying to bring him to Kensington before June 30 this year, but the Dragons are not interested in releasing the tough-as-nails hooker.
“I don’t know if we can fit anyone into our squad before June 30, but we think Jake would be a good fit for the Attitude down the track,” McElroy said.
“I like what he’s about, he’s a good tough kid.
“He came through the Dragon's system ... I don’t know why they would let him go.
“He has been outstanding for the Dragons and we think he could offer us something at hooker.”
It is understood the Dragons are readying a three year contract to be tabled for Turpin.
With McCullough turning 30 in January, Turpin represents the future for the Attitude and coach Anthony McElroy pledged to do everything possible to recruit the durable dummy-half.
“Jake has been great for Alice Springs this season, I certainly don’t want to lose him,” Vikas said.
“It doesn’t surprise me how tough he’s played or how competitive he’s been because that’s always been his nature
“He’s taken the (Dingoes) No.9 jersey with both hands and he’s kept it this week.
“I’m really confident in what he can do but I’m really happy and proud of how he’s developed into a player.”
“He was a development player, so we're looking to put him in our safety net for this off season and then into Darwin's top 30 for next season,” he said.
“It’s a really good story and it probably shows a lot of players playing in the RSC Cup that it’s never too late.
“We'll have to put him into our top 30 squad when a spot became available", Vikas concluded.
Rumours are rife that Adelaide boss, Anthony McElroy was not impressed by Darwin's lack of interest in doing business!