Rabbitohs forward, Kyle Turner, is looking forward to taking on the Sydney Roosters in Round 1 of the Premiership in just over a week’s time in a cross-town rivalry that he describes as ‘fierce’.
Having played in a handful of the traditional matchups against the fellow foundation Club – also formed in 1908 – Turner knows what to expect and is excited by the prospect of getting the season underway.
“It’s always a fierce game to be a part of,” said Turner.
“The rivalry always brings that extra aggression to the game – it’s exciting to be a part of. You get out there and you look forward to taking the hit-ups and doing those tough tackles.”
Turner will be looking to cement a spot in the Club’s back-row in 2016, but faces stiff competition playing alongside the likes of Sam Burgess, John Sutton, Paul Carter and a host of others. But Turner is far from fazed, instead taking the challenge in his stride.
“There is a lot of competition, no spot is cemented in the side – they’re all up for grabs,” said Turner.
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“As we know, Madge is going to pick who he thinks is going to the job for the team. So that’s what us boys have to do – we’ve just got to get out there and do our job and work at the little things we need to.”
The proud Rabbitoh did his chances no harm during the trial period, playing a solid hit-out against the Gold Coast Titans last week, picking up a try in the process.
Following a break by Bryson Goodwin that saw the centre run some 60 metres before being grounded in centre-field, Luke Keary went from dummy-half before passing on to an unmarked Turner who streaked away for a try.
“Yeah Luke Keary gave me a bit of a meat pie,” smiled Turner.
“It was a good first hit-out I think. Gold Coast actually put up a really strong side and they really gave us a run for our money – it was a solid game for the 80 minutes.
“I think I’ve still got a bit of improvement to do. That was sort of my first full-game getting into it, but you can only go up from here.”