WORLD CUP, Champions trophy, Commonwealth Games and $25,000 pay cheque. Today marks the beginning of a prosperous two years for Goulburn Olympian Glenn Turner.
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The Kookaburras striker and London Olympic Games bronze medallist today begins his Hockey League India campaign with the Mumbai Magicians. The 28-year-old was snapped up at auction for a bargain $25,000 by his Australian coach Ric Charlesworth. Now he hopes to prove why he’s one of the world’s leading strikers.
Turner and the Magicians commence their campaign with a clash against the Delhi Waveriders this evening.
After a day’s rest, they return to the pitch on Friday for a match with the Ranchi Rhinos, an outfit comprising Kookaburras defender Fergus Kavanagh.
The next assignment for Charlesworth’s squad comes in the form of competition favourites the Punjab Warriors, a line-up featuring the world’s best player and Kookaburras teammate Jamie Dwyer, along with Aussie Olympians Kieran Govers, Rob Hammond, Chris Ciriello, Simon Orchard and Mark Knowles.
While by no means as lucrative as its cricket equivalent, the Indian Premier League, the hockey showpiece is a groundbreaking moment in the sport.
Instead of taking leave without pay, Turner will be paid to play, and handsomely.
The Goulburn Mulwaree Waste Water Treatment plant employee will pocket $25,000 for his involvement in the Magicians’ campaign.
The tournament also marks his return to the pitch for the first time since hip surgery last November.
Understandably, he’s champing at the bit.
“Just been training so far. Can’t wait for games to start,” he told followers on Twitter this week.
Matches will be aired on Fox Sports.