Titans Media Release regarding Steve Turner

Titans Media Release regarding Steve Turner

Gold Coast Titans Managing Director Michael Searle is confident an agreement reached with Melbourne Storm player Steve Turner will be enforced by the National Rugby League and that the 21 year old will play his part in the fledgling club?s debut NRL season in 2007.

?We believe the NRL?s interim assessment of the validity of our agreement with Steve Turner, is a vindication of the integrity, professionalism and good faith that we have displayed in these negotiations. However, we believe the Storm attempting to sign Steve Turner, after we were very clear to the Storm that we had an agreement with Steve Turner is reprehensible. It shows a lack of respect for not only the Gold Coast Titans administration but Gold Coast Titans fans as well.?

?We were very clear with the Storm?s administration before they offered him a new three year deal that we had an agreement with Steve Turner that was legally enforceable and his manager was very clear that we had an agreement but they chose to ignore that very clear advice and sign Steve Turner anyway. Their actions were arrogant and showed complete contempt for our Club?

?Subject to David Gallop making his final determination we want to unequivocally reaffirm that our club will NOT be releasing Steve Turner from his agreement. We also want to confirm he had approached our club last week about a release and after long consideration by myself and John Cartwright we decided that his request did not warrant any special consideration and we informed his management of that.?

?We have no doubt that once Steve gets to spend some time on the Gold Coast, with John Cartwright, Trevor Gillmeister and all the Titans staff that he will be very comfortable with this outcome. He will be warmly welcomed. This should send a clear message that our club truly desires to retain Steve and we think that highly enough of him that we are prepared to fight so hard to keep him. We look forward to him being in Titans colours in 2007.?

Steve Turner Time Line

Steve Turner agreed to a two year deal with the Gold Coast Titans on June 19.

During a flying visit to the Gold Coast to celebrate his signing, the 21 year old said he had based his decision to move north on his desire to make a name for himself as a fulltime fullback.

Turner said, ?The opportunity to play in my preferred position at fullback excites me. I have been behind some great players at the Storm and have been appreciative for the support they have shown me but the chance to concentrate on the number 1 jersey at a brand new club is something that is too good to pass up.?

Turner said, ?The Titans have staff that I am familiar with; John (Cartwright) was my lower grade coach at the Panthers and I played with Satts (Scott Sattler) & also the chance to experience Billy Johnstone as a conditioner is very appealing. Let?s hope I can leave the Storm on the highest note possible.?

The following day the Titans had a contract couriered to Steve Turner and his management.

Monday the 14th of August 2006 The Titans were informed that Steve Turner had appeared on a Sydney Radio station where he had made it quite clear that he was looking forward to joining the Titans and setting out on a new adventure.

24 hours later Turner was paraded for the media with the Melbourne Storm CEO at his side claiming that he was now unhappy with his decision and no longer wanted to go to the Gold Coast, announcing he had instead agreed to new terms with the Storm and signed a new contract which would keep him in Melbourne until 2009.

16th August 2006, Gold Coast Titans Managing Director Michael Searle presented a comprehensive file to the NRL which included Statements from Titans Head Coach John Cartwright, Football Manager Scott Sattler and the player?s agent David Riolo.

After reviewing extensive documentation provided by Gold Coast Titans Managing Director Michael Searle, National Rugby League CEO David Gallop?s preliminary ruling was that an agreement was reached between the Titans and Player Steven Turner

17th August Mr Gallop stated that after reviewing the documents supplied by the Titans, he believed an agreement had been reached between the Gold Coast Club and the player, stating that he will support the Titans as they move to retain Turner on their 2007 playing roster.

Source: titans.com.au