Broncos fend off rival NRL clubs to snare key signature

Finally some good news for Brisbane, who have won a battle with six clubs to clinch a deal with Mr Fix-It Jake Turpin, one of the most sought-after players on the NRL open market.

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Broncos Mr Fix-It Jake Turpin has credited club stalwart Andrew McCullough as a pivotal role in staying at the club.

Turpin - one of the most sought after players on the NRL open market - on Tuesday signed a three year deal with Brisbane ahead of Thursday night’s Queensland derby.

The 22-year-old, nicknamed “The Pitbull” by his teammates, was being chased by at least six other clubs following his stunning rise to success with the Broncos this season.

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Jake Turpin has signed a three-year deal with the Broncos. Picture: Getty Images

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Seven months ago, he didn’t even feature in Brisbane’s 30-man full-time squad and was one of the lowest paid NRL players on a contract worth around $70,000.

He now shapes as the club’s Mr Fix-It having initially signed as a hooker, but also playing five-eighth and halfback due to injuries.

Despite having an opportunity to become an 80-minute hooker at another club, Turpin admitted he still wanted to learn more from Broncos great McCullough.

“Another big reason why (I stayed) was Andrew McCullough who I can still learn off,” Turpin said.

“I’m only 22-years-old so I’m still pretty young.

“I’m really happy learning everything off Macca, he’s a very good player.

“He’s another reason I stayed was to learn off him.

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Jake Turpin celebrates with Broncos teammates after scoring the matchwinning try against Cronulla. Picture: Getty Images

“I always want to improve.

“There’s areas in my game that I want to improve and I’m just really excited for the rest of 2019.”

Turpin has played 11 games this year, bagging two tries and averaging 25 tackles a game.

Teammate Alex Glenn said he added some aggression to the side.

“Everyone likes the aggressiveness he brings to our side,” Glenn said.

“We call him the Pitbull because you saw the shot he put on Munster on the weekend and that is Turps, he’s a tough bloke.

“He’s not the biggest guy on the field but he won’t back down from a challenge.

“He puts his body on the line and that’s what you want from your team.”

Turpin said his rugby league career had moved pretty quickly since being pitchforked into the side in Brisbane’s Round 9 win over Manly.

“It’s moved pretty quickly to be honest,” he said.

“I’ve set myself little goals all year.

“I wanted to get into the Top 30 and I achieved that then I wanted to play regular first grade and I achieved that.

“I said aid earlier in the year that if I got an opportunity, I’m not going to look back, I was going to take it and take it with both hands.

“I’ve done that and that’s sort of put me in the position I am now.”