If Jake Turpin is part a plot to get Josh Hodgson to Brisbane the Broncos hooker isn't aware of it, instead he is adamant he wants to stick around and experience the "sunshine and rainbows" at Red Hill.
The NRL strugglers are reportedly keen on injured Raiders No.9 Hodgson, who on Wednesday confirmed he had handed in his captain's badge at the club he led to the 2019 grand final.
The England star is off-contract with the Raiders at the end of 2022 while Turpin has an option at the end of this season to look elsewhere - with both players sharing the same de-registered manager in Isaac Moses.
The 24-year-old Turpin was first stuck behind Andrew McCullough in Brisbane's pecking order then dealt several injury blows, accumulating just 31 games across the past four seasons.
Brisbane even recruited hooker Danny Levi last month, who has slotted in as a bench utility and relieved Turpin in the second half of their pas two games.
Unaware of his management link with Hodgson, Turpin said he's used to competing for minutes in Brisbane and that he's invested in the club's attempted rebuild, which should be centred around the recruitment of an experienced half.
"There you go, I had no idea but I love Brisbane, I have a lot of good things going on for me outside of footy that I really enjoy so I'd love to stay," he told AAP.
"He's (Hodgson) a very good player and I've said it all along with Macca and all these hookers being here, it's just another string to my bow to learn off these players.
"We're working through that (player option) and I really want to go through this tough period and come out the other side where it's all sunshine and rainbows.
"That'd be the best feeling in the world."
Turpin said the coaching staff had implored him to step up in a leadership capacity, which is an area he said has left the 2-6 Broncos wanting.
Penrith star Nathan Cleary's late two-point field goal and subsequent try in a match-winning hand against Brisbane was the perfect example, Turpin said.
"You see us train every day, there's no lack of effort, just some things in our game need fixing and it comes with experience which we're lacking," he said.
"It would help to have an experienced half that knows what to do in those big moments that stands up and ices it."
"I've always been the young guy in the side but I'm mid-20s now and can definitely do that and want to step up and be a leader."
Australian Associated Press
