Bennett plans Broncos raid after Melbourne star tells him no

Wayne Bennett ‘s recruitment drive is reportedly ramping up with the Dolphins linked to some eyebrow-raising moves after one star’s rejection.

Jake Turpin. Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images.

Wayne Bennett is reportedly preparing to make a move on Broncos star Jake Turpin.

The veteran coach has ramped up his recruitment campaign this week with reports emerging some big-name players on his shopping list.

Bennett this week raised eyebrows by publicly declaring his expansion team would be interested in Cowboys star Jason Taumalolo — should the star forward leave North Queensland.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free In Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

The Courier-Mail now reports the Dolphins coach also has his sights on Turpin ahead of the team’s entry into the NRL in 2013.

The Courier Mail first reported Turpin, who is off-contract in 2022, could be set to join the Dolphins.

Bennett’s interest in Turpin is linked to Melbourne star Harry Grant reportedly rejecting Bennett’s offer to join the club.

Grant is reportedly set to sign a new deal with the Storm — leaving Cameron Munster as a potential marquee signing for the Dolphins. Newcastle superstar Kalyn Ponga also remains the Dolphins’ dream recruit.

Munster is reported to be in the middle of talks with the Storm about extending his deal.

However, Turpin would be a very important piece for the Dolphins as they look to build a competitive roster.

According to the report, the Broncos have not actively chased Turpin to sign a contract extension.

The No. 9 has been under pressure to retain his starting position and has previously been dropped to the bench for Cory Paix.

Jake Turpin. Picture: Alix Sweeney.

Bennett’s interest in Turpin comes after he shone light on a potential game of recruitment musical chairs surrounding Taumalolo and Manly star Martin Taupau.

Rumours and speculation surrounding Taumalolo are swirling again after North Queensland’s loss to the Bulldogs in Round 1.

Taumalolo’s future with the Cowboys — and his relationship with coach Todd Payten — dominated off-season headlines in Townsville, including reports the pair had fallen out.

Entering the mid-point of the famous, 10-year, $10 million deal he signed with the Cowboys, the NRL was shocked last year when Payten suggested he was not getting enough impact from Taumalolo when playing the wrecking ball for the entire 80 minutes.

Taumalolo has previously spoken about his desire to remain on the field for the entirety of matches this season and said just a few weeks ago his body was ready to return to his previous role of playing all 80 minutes at lock.

He had his minutes reduced significantly in 2021 and Payten continued that trend in Sunday’s loss to Canterbury where Taumalolo finished with 136m gained in 51 minutes of playing time.

Former Queensland State of Origin star Ben Te’o declared this week Taumalolo and Payten’s relationship appears to be untenable.

Jason Taumalolo rides the pine. Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images.

Te’o suggested rival clubs will be sniffing around Taumalolo and predicted the Cowboys will be forced to pay some of Taumalolo’s wages if they agree to let him go.

Bennett is not hiding his team’s interest.

“If he (Taumalolo) comes off-contract, we would certainly be interested in him,” Bennett told The Courier Mail.

“He is like a lot of other players we are interested in.

“Jason is a wonderful player and has been good for a long time. He has done a great job as captain of Tonga so he is highly credentialled.”

Meanwhile, nine.com.au reports the Cowboys have registered their interest in signing Manly’s Taupau.

Separate from Taumalolo’s uncertain future, the Cowboys are reportedly trying to find a way to sign Taupau on a deal that begins in 2023 — however, they also want to pressure Manly into granting Taupau an early release so he could join the Cowboys this season.