Turner calls on experience

Jordan Turner has called on the experienced players in the Hull squad to lead by example as the injury-hit Airlie Birds travel to Salford tonight (Friday).

They are without banned forward Sam Moa, as well as injured trio Aaron Heremaia, Joe Westerman and Eamon O’Carroll, which has seen coach Peter Gentle draft in youngsters Josh Bowden, Chris Green and Jamie Ellis in to his 19-man squad, alongside Danny Nicklas.

Turner told the club’s official website: “I’m still a relatively young player myself, but I’ve played a lot of first team games now and I remember how daunting it can be to make that first step up.

“We’ve got a really good spirit in the squad and these young players have been training with us right throughout pre-season so they hopefully comfortable with the people around them, but it’s always good to have somebody there. 

“The senior players have spoken about looking after them and I think that’s what we need to do. We need to lead by example, help them as much as we can and make sure they don’t have to play under any pressure.”

Turner, 23, didn’t feature in last weekend’s win over London, instead playing in the Under 20’s side, and he is now expecting to be called upon by coach Gentle in the back-row.

After joining Salford in 2007, Turner spent much of his time with the Reds at loose forward, before moving to Hull to try and earn himself a place in the centre position.

He added: “I targeted a centre spot last season and I felt I built up a lot of confidence in that position towards the end of the year.

“I’ve since sat down with Peter and we’ve talked about me playing in the back row. It’s a position I am comfortable with too, having played there in my youth and then in my first few seasons for Salford. 

“One of my goals this season is to secure a regular spot in the side in that position, but for now I’m looking to get some good performances under my belt and play my part for the team.”