Brad Fittler has expressed serious concerns about Jake Turpin following the Bulldogs hooker’s recent sin binning for a dangerous tackle during their match against the Rabbitohs. The incident occurred midway through the second half when Turpin executed a high tackle on Tyrone Munro, leading commentators, including Andrew Johns, to label the act as reckless. Johns stated, “It’s hard to argue with that one; he went in a million miles an hour and needed to lower his target.”
Turpin, who recently returned from a limited season where he’d only played one match prior to this clash, came off the bench and had already faced issues in the game, including a penalised hit on Jai Arrow. Fittler highlighted that, considering Turpin’s position on the team and the Bulldogs’ strong standing in the competition, he should have demonstrated more discipline. “You’d think he’d show more discipline,” Fittler remarked, referencing Turpin’s physicality that had already attracted penalties earlier in the game.
Despite Turpin’s moment of recklessness, the Bulldogs managed to hold onto their lead, which was 22-10 at the time of his departure. However, South Sydney capitalised on his absence, with Jack Wighton scoring to narrow the gap. In a tense finish, Munro also crossed the line just two minutes before the end, but the Bulldogs ultimately secured the win with a final score of 24-18.
As the season progresses, Turpin must address his approach to gameplay, as repeated infractions could jeopardise both his position in the team and the Bulldogs’ prospects in the league.