Dyldam Parramatta Eels rising star Travis Turnbull has been named in the Queensland Murri Under-16s squad for 2015.
Turnbull, a talented 15 year old, has made several representative teams since he was eligible from the age of 11, signed with the Parramatta Eels on a two-year contract commencing in January 2014.
He is among a host of talented youngsters who will play the NSW Indigenous Under-16s side in one of the curtain raisers to the NRL and Indigenous All Stars clash on the Gold Coast on 13 February 2015.
“It’s a real honour. I’ve wanted to play in this side for a while. I wasn’t able to play in the side last year so I’m looking forward to playing in it this year” an excited Turnbull said.
“I am really keen for the game already even though its still a month or two away. I have been keen on it for a while.”
“I am there to give it my all and put everything in for my team and my teammates” he added.
The talented footballer, who has a strong support network of family and friends, is dedicated to the game he loves and has every intention of playing on the biggest stage in the future.
“At the end of 2013, just before I signed with the Eels, I was really excited that I was just about to sign with my first NRL team,” Turnbull said.
“It’s a good experience to be able to play on the big stage and also travel overseas with the Queensland Indigenous team.”
And despite the big wraps, Turnbull’s manager Shaun Pyne knows that the 15 year old is willing to put in the hard work.
“He has had a goal since he was a young boy to play rugby league and he is willing to do everything in his power to make sure it happens,” Pyne said.
“Time will tell, he’s still young and he has got to work hard but he’s happy to do that. I think being in a system like Parramatta is going to enable him to do that.”
Turnbull has been earmarked since he was young, and whilst he is put under pressure with the expectation, his laid back attitude allows him to handle the situation as he lets his football do the talking. However the rising star isn’t afraid to set himself his own lofty goals.
“I would love to make another Queensland Rugby League side in 2015 and then fingers crossed I can make an Australian team,” Turnbull said.
“One of my main goals is to make First Grade in the NRL”.
Pyne believes that Turnbull, despite his young age, has the right attitude and support network to make it in the NRL.
“You look at him and he just oozes class. He can pass both ways, he can kick and he’s just a great athlete. But the best part about him is that he comes from a really good family and he’s a really good kid,” Pyne said.
“Travis could go with the Cowboys, he could go with Brisbane. There have been 9 clubs ringing in the last month to ask about Travis and find out when he is off contract but he is extremely happy down there at the Eels.”
Despite the expectation around Turnbull, Pyne is not getting ahead of himself and is taking it one small step at a time, setting his own goals for the talented youngster.
Whilst Turnbull moves into the final year of his contract with the Parramatta Eels, the Blue and Gold will be keeping their eyes closely fixed on his road to success.
