Jansin Turgut completes remarkable return with new professional contract
Ex-Super League forward and current Turkey international Jansin Turgut has completed his remarkable return to the professional game with a contract with Bradford.
His new contract, until the end of the current Championship season, follows a successful trial period with the club that began in March.
The 27-year-old defied all odds by making his return to the game, having been told he would never play the sport again after an attempt to take is own life in Ibiza back in 2019.
Turgut featured for Bradford’s reserves against Hull and St Helens and made his first team debut against Midlands Hurricanes in the Challenge Cup.
He played professionally between 2015-2019 for Hull and Salford.
Jansin Turgut on remarkable return
On the deal, Turgut said: “I’m really happy. I’m proud of myself knowing that if I got the opportunity in that professional environment again, I will be able to produce the skills and ability I have and back doing what I could do before whilst training hard and staying fit.
“My time with the club so far has been a really positive experience, the club, the staff, and all the players have been very welcoming.
“It’s a good group and that’s important, you have to enjoy your time otherwise it can turn from a hobby that you love to a job that you get paid to do. I’m happy and grateful for the opportunity.
“I remember being laid in Hull Royal Infirmary before after coming round from a month long coma and I hadn’t relearned how to walk again and I was laid there telling my family I will play rugby again, so I’d say I knew back then I had the mentally to achieve it in my mind but it was just a case of ticking all the boxes recovery and strength wise until I was physically able to do it.
“I got the all clear in 2021 and joined my local amateur team West Hull just to get back enjoying the sport and seeing what I felt like playing again.
“Rugby league fans are a special”
“Personally, I worked hard, did my own pre-season with help from Paul Hatton and I did some boxing training and kept my rugby skills sharp going down and training with West Hull.
“I wanted to take the next step so thought of some options and messaged one of the lads I know at Bradford to see if the coach would be interested.
“Me and Mark [Dunning] had a phone call and was happy to give me a trial and I told him I was willing to play reserves and do whatever it takes to earn a place in the first team.
“My aims are simple, get as much game time as I can whilst enjoying playing again.
“I enjoy playing attacking plays as a middle or back-row, doing the tough stuff in defence and working hard doing the detailed things and 1 percenters for the team.
“Rugby league fans are a special, special community and players really appreciate the support and time fans give to support them.
“It’s so valuable having loyal and supportive fans, win or lose and they stick by you is true support. I’ve had that support from my circumstance and I’m forever grateful for them, I truly am.”
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