PETALING JAYA: Jordan Murray did not cross borders and leagues to merely make up the numbers.
At 30, the Australian striker has arrived in Brunei at a pivotal moment of the club’s reinvention.
Signed in August last year from Indian Super League side Jamshedpur, Murray was always seen as a steady hand rather than a headline-grabber.
Since turning professional in 2014, Murray’s career has been defined by movement and adaptation. Brunei are the seventh club of his senior journey, following stints in Australia, Thailand and India.
“Obviously the club have gone through a transitional process coming from the Singapore League to the Malaysian League,” Murray said.
“New players have come into the team and the process was always going to take some time to adjust.
“But I believe we have finally found our identity, rhythm and belief. The team have gained a lot of confidence after a really good run of games.”
In 11 domestic matches, the forward from Wollongong has contributed five goals and three assists, numbers that underline his consistency rather than explosiveness, exactly what Brunei needed during a period of upheaval.
Under Scottish tactician Jamie McAllister, Brunei are beginning to resemble a side comfortable in their own skin. Currently seventh in the league with 14 points from 12 matches, they are riding a three-match winning streak that includes victories over Immigration (4-2), Sabah (3-1) and Penang (2-0).
For Murray, personal numbers are secondary to collective momentum.
“To have five goals and three assists is good, but I strive to have more and be better to ensure good results for the club,” he said.
“We have been working extremely hard and everybody is onboard with the project that the gaffer (McAllister) has put in place.
“Confidence and belief are instrumental in what we do.”
That belief will be tested again tomorrow when Brunei host Police at the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan, a fixture Murray insists demands caution rather than comfort.
“Not to be complacent,” he warned.
“Police are a team with nothing to lose and all to prove, which makes them dangerous. We need to carry the same belief and attitude we’ve shown in the last few matches.”
For Murray and Brunei, the journey is far from complete but for the first time this season, the direction feels right.
