Broncos coach Kevin Walters backs Jake Turpin by handing him the captaincy
He has played just 31 games at NRL level, but Jake Turpin has been handed the captaincy at the Broncos. Kevin Walters explains the reasoning behind his decision.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Broncos have ruled out signing Canberra hooker Josh Hodgson as coach Kevin Walters reaffirmed his faith in Jake Turpin by handing him the captaincy for Friday night’s clash against Manly.
Injuries to first-choice captain Alex Glenn and deputy Pat Carrigan has opened the door for Turpin to celebrate one of the high points of his career by skippering the Broncos in the Magic Round showdown at Suncorp Stadium.
Watch The 2021 NRL Telstra Premiership Live & On-Demand with No Ad-Breaks During Play. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >
It has been a turbulent past week for Turpin, whose future at Red Hill came under a cloud amid speculation Canberra were open to a subsidised deal with the Broncos for the classy Hodgson.
The British Test rake is off-contract at the end of next season, but the Broncos insist Turpin is the future in the No.9 jumper, with Walters showing his hand by rewarding the 24-year-old with the Brisbane captaincy.
Turpin plays his 32nd NRL game on Friday night and will join club legends Darren Lockyer, Wally Lewis, Gorden Tallis and Allan Langer in the Broncos’ elite captaincy stable.
“Jake is so consistent for us,” Walters said of Cam Smith’s former deputy at the Melbourne Storm.
“‘Turps’ plays big minutes every week and defensively there are very few errors.
“He leads with his actions. He has been in our top four players this season.
“He tidies up around rucks and does all the little things like kick pressure, so he does lead by example and is one guy who is suited to the captaincy.”
Broncos centre Herbie Farnworth said Turpin’s elevation to the leadership role would have the full support of Brisbane’s playing group.
NRL ROUND 10 TEAMS: Broncos, Cowboys, Titans
“Turps would be great (as captain),” he said.
“He is always leading with his effort so he would be a good captain for sure.”
Brisbane are building continuity with their top 17 with Walters making just one change to the team which lost 19-18 to the Cowboys last week in Townsville.
Carrigan snapped his ACL in the heartbreaking loss at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, paving the way for Tom Flegler to start in the No.13 jumper against Manly, with John Asiata joining Danny Levi, Rhys Kennedy and Ethan Bullemor on the bench.
Flegler has endured an injury-ravaged past 12 months but showed promising signs with some energetic charges in the Cowboys defeat.
“We’re giving Tom his shot,” Walters said.
“I thought Tommy was very good last week, it was his best performance of the season. He made some good runs, so I want to reward him with a starting spot.”
Farnworth said Brisbane‘s morale was not affected by winger Xavier Coates’ decision to defect to the Storm next season.
“Xavier is a big player to lose, but we have managed to keep ‘Tones’ (Kotoni Staggs) and we have kept (Jordan) Riki as well, so they are two good signings for the club,” he said.
“It‘s a bit (frustrating to lose Coates), but players come and go, it’s the way sport is.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Broncos coach Kevin Walters backs Jake Turpin by handing him the captaincy
‘Blowhard’: Cornes backlash turns prickly
Kane Cornes has been roasted by a high profile colleague over comments that have left NRL commentators in disbelief.
Parramatta legend: ‘24 Panthers don’t have a hope against ‘83 Eels
Penrith have claimed their place in the rugby league record books, but Parramatta great Ray Price has rejected suggestions they’ve gone past his Eels, claiming they had “every position and we every tactic covered”. WHO IS BETTER? VOTE NOW.