EMRE GULER started the working week recovering from a starting stint in St George Illawarra Dragons’ NRL win at Wests Tigers on Sunday afternoon.
He could end it playing in Super League at Wigan Warriors, after making the swiftest of moves to Wakefield Trinity.
The story is one that could be told by Craig David, as Guler explained: “The opportunity was presented on Monday or Tuesday, then I was on a flight on Wednesday!”
After a 10,500-mile trip business-class trip – leaving his family behind for now – he met his new Wakefield team-mates on Thursday, and could make his debut on Friday night.
Head coach Daryl Powell is yet to commit one way or the other, saying: “We’ll make a decision in the morning whether he plays or not.”
It’s not a move that came entirely out of the blue, however.
Wakefield announced his signing in June, on a three-year contract from 2027, and Powell says he made a first approach about bringing the deal forward last month.
“It was probably about five weeks ago initially we asked the question,” he explained.
“There was a bit going on for Emre back at home so he decided against it at that point, but when we lost a couple of players we touched base again.
“He’s been playing in the NRL but the Dragons haven’t got anything to shoot for so we thought it would be a good opportunity to get him in early.”
Guler says he’s well prepared for Super League, having been keeping a close eye on it since first committing to the transfer.
“I’ve been doing my homework and watching a lot of games,” he explained. “It’s definitely physical. If you come here and underestimate it, you get found it.”
On the prospect of a debut against Wigan, he said: “It’s a bit funny how it’ll happen if it does, but it’ll be special.
“I’ve seen how close everyone is here, so I know if I do play everyone will have my back. I’ve only been here a short space of time but the boys have a special bond, and I’d like to think I can add to that.”
Introductions had to be made quickly, with Guler only previously playing with one of his new team-mates, fellow prop Ky Rodwell, with whom he appeared as a South Sydney Rabbitohs junior.
And at least he’s not the only newbie, with back-rower Zac Lipowicz also joining earlier in the week from Catalans Dragons.
His is only a short-term deal, with an NRL move lined up for next season, but Powell said it’s needs must with Isaiah Vagana dislocating a shoulder and Jay Pitts rupturing a bicep since Seth Nikotemo returned home to Australia.
“I felt like we needed to give ourselves the best chance of finishing the season really well,” he explained.
“We’d like a home play-off spot and that’s a challenge at the moment. We’ve got a fair bit to do to make sure we’re in a favourable position in the six. We’re not taking anything for granted.”