SALFORD Reds believe they have one of the British game's brightest young prospects in teenage star Jordan Turner.

The former schoolboy ace has already bagged one hat-trick of tries for the club and Salford are delighted with Turner's rapid progress in the first team.

Jordan, 19, comes from Oldham's rugby league hot-bed and he is a product of the highly successful Salford youth system.

He cut his teeth as a rookie in Super League last season, acquitting himself well, and coach Shaun McRae has been delighted with his development.

McRae, who expects big things in the years ahead from Turner, said: "Jordan is a very talented young player with a lot of ability and has a great chance to go all the way in this game.

"Playing in National League One this year will not hurt his development.

"The biggest test for any player is how they are able to handle things on a daily basis.

"You turn up to practice to improve and I see a lot of good in Jordan because he has all the attributes to become a Super League player for a long period of time.

"He is maturing physically, and emotionally, at a very good rate. He is also very keen to learn and to do well. He wants to be a player at the highest level.

Versatile

"He has already had the experience of captaining his country and the good thing about him is the fact he can fulfil an array of positions which is naturally very advantageous.

"I feel he prefers playing loose forward but he can also go well at centre.

"You could also play him as a hooker and get by with him at stand-off if need be, so he is very versatile. We are certainly pleased with his progress and it's terrific to see lads like this coming through.

"Jordan knows there is still a great deal of hard work ahead but he has a very good skill level and a lot of ability. We know what he is capable of.

"He is quite rangy, I'd guess he's in the 95 kilos class, but he has the framework and the pace.

"He can be a strong player and it's up to him to keep working hard on improving all aspects of his game."

McRae's glowing praise for Turner is echoed by fellow Australian Steve Simms, the club's football director.

Simms is a great supporter of the thriving youth set-up at Salford where Turner quickly came under the guidance of Alan Hunte.

He is just one of several outstanding teenagers to make their mark and Simms said: "Jordan is a real talent with a big future.

Progressed

"He plays all positions well but he should not categorise himself because he has got it all there. We saw him score a hat-trick of tries in the centre and he then scored from loose forward next time out.

"He's progressed with each year and is now getting the size and pace, it comes down to how much he wants it.

"It's all about what you want to do yourself, the world-class players are the people who work hard on their own life-styles.

"We have very high hopes for Jordan. He's a great lad, he's very determined and he has every chance of really making his mark."

Reds now turn their attentions to Friday night's Challenge Cup clash with amateurs Warrington Wizards who play in Conference National.

Simms added "They are certainly something of an unknown proposition but you have to give them credit for having reached this stage."

What do you think? Have your say

Tweet