David EdwardsTurner’s Turn Around Might Cost Him More Than A Season
November 28th 2006 11:27
As the Ashes went around us, the ongoing saga that has appeared in the NRL during the off-season continues to reign supreme.
Steve Turner, who was going to the newly-formed Gold Coast Titans halfway through the season before the Storm could see that he could actually play, is still digging his heels in and refusing to move to where he is actually contracted to play for.
Gold Coast have really let loose the dogs of war in regards of ensuring that Turner plays for him. Fining him on Tuesday as he missed the first official training session of the team, they have demonstrated that they will not stop at anything at acquiring him.
This has all occurred whilst in their other hand, they were releasing Penrith player Frank Puletua from their squad list due on ‘compassionate grounds’.
Personally, and I hate to say this, but I think that the Titans are in the right in this scenario.
First of all, Turner did verbally agree that he would play three years for the club. During that time, yes it seemed that he would be scrapped from the Storm, and yes it would have breathed a fresh life into a otherwise diminishing career, but he did agree.
Now Melbourne have discovered the boy can play, and they want to hold onto him like grim death. Likewise Turner has established himself in Melbourne, including finding a partner in the cold state to keep himself warm, and therefore does not want to root himself up and try to settle himself in a whole other state.
I find that reasoning fair enough, but in my opinion… suck it up princess.
Turner verbally said he would play. Regardless of his situation now and whatever Melbourne have offered to him in the second half of the season, he signed up with the Titans.
What he is doing now is similar to what a spoilt child might do now he cannot get his own way. Of course he wants to stay, he was playing with the minor premiers and Grand Finalists who have a strong squad and will once again be a force in 2007, and any player in their right mind would pick that over a team just starting up, as history have shown will always be lacklustre for the first few seasons.
But he didn’t pick that, did he? If he agreed to play with the Titans, the least he can do is play at least one season. He agreed to play, so play in a different jumper for a season at the max, and if he still wants to trade back then get into the formal discussions with the club once again.
What Turner has to realise is that sitting out for a season rather than might cost him in the long run, as a lot can happen in a season. Plus it would help him to remember a whole lot of players who are desperate to play in the big leagues would be jumping to play for one club, regardless of their stature in the competition.
Until next time, sports minds.
Steve Turner, who was going to the newly-formed Gold Coast Titans halfway through the season before the Storm could see that he could actually play, is still digging his heels in and refusing to move to where he is actually contracted to play for.
Gold Coast have really let loose the dogs of war in regards of ensuring that Turner plays for him. Fining him on Tuesday as he missed the first official training session of the team, they have demonstrated that they will not stop at anything at acquiring him.
This has all occurred whilst in their other hand, they were releasing Penrith player Frank Puletua from their squad list due on ‘compassionate grounds’.
Personally, and I hate to say this, but I think that the Titans are in the right in this scenario.
First of all, Turner did verbally agree that he would play three years for the club. During that time, yes it seemed that he would be scrapped from the Storm, and yes it would have breathed a fresh life into a otherwise diminishing career, but he did agree.
Now Melbourne have discovered the boy can play, and they want to hold onto him like grim death. Likewise Turner has established himself in Melbourne, including finding a partner in the cold state to keep himself warm, and therefore does not want to root himself up and try to settle himself in a whole other state.
I find that reasoning fair enough, but in my opinion… suck it up princess.
Turner verbally said he would play. Regardless of his situation now and whatever Melbourne have offered to him in the second half of the season, he signed up with the Titans.
What he is doing now is similar to what a spoilt child might do now he cannot get his own way. Of course he wants to stay, he was playing with the minor premiers and Grand Finalists who have a strong squad and will once again be a force in 2007, and any player in their right mind would pick that over a team just starting up, as history have shown will always be lacklustre for the first few seasons.
But he didn’t pick that, did he? If he agreed to play with the Titans, the least he can do is play at least one season. He agreed to play, so play in a different jumper for a season at the max, and if he still wants to trade back then get into the formal discussions with the club once again.
What Turner has to realise is that sitting out for a season rather than might cost him in the long run, as a lot can happen in a season. Plus it would help him to remember a whole lot of players who are desperate to play in the big leagues would be jumping to play for one club, regardless of their stature in the competition.
Until next time, sports minds.
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Comment by StephenP
NRL News
Totally agree - 100%!!
Although my allegiance may lie with the Titans, I think Turner should just bite the bullet, and play up here for one season.
How many other people work away from there families each year, for far less than what poor Stevey is being paid. If he really feels that strongly about not playing for the Titans, than just come up and play QRL - he will easily be the highest paid winger running around in the competition!
While I say that Turner should suck it up, and play up here, I also cannot understand the odea of my future employers chasing a player who obviously does not want to be here.
The best thing for everyone is for Turner to play season 2007, and then head back to Melbourne in October.
Cheers,
StephenP.
P.S. - Sorry to bug ya Coach, but the Titans actually started training 2 weeks ago - the titans granted extra time off to the players who competed in the Grand Final this year.
Comment by TheCoach
Of course the really interesting point is how the Titans have signed up Chris Walker to play the spot that Turner was earmarked for. It could get interesting if Turner does play for Gold Coast, as Walker pretty much was booted out of the Storm due to him!
Comment by StephenP
NRL News
The Titans actually haven't signed Chris Walker - he has been invited to train with them for the off season, and has been asked to trial for a full time position in their three trial games in February.
But I do agree with you about it being interesting if Turner does grow up ..... I mean coem up to the Coast. I think Walker's NRL career is all but over - just stick to the QRL Chris!!
And the Titans first official training run was actually two weeks ago -the only grand finalists were Turner (who hasn't turned up yet), Nathan Friend (who had a shoulder operation) and Jake Webster (who has a wrist injury). You can check out the report on the tItans website, or on NRL News - I was invited by Titans media to attend!
But otherwise - we are on the same wavelength!!
Cheers,
StephenP
Comment by TheCoach
And I must let you win over the Titans training session. Might be an interesting year considering how passionate you are about the Titans!
Comment by StephenP
NRL News
Actually, i am a born and bred Eels supporter - but it looks like I may have to share my allegiance with my new employers next year!!
Did you hear the latest though - Searle will let Turner go, if they are compensated monetarily (is that even a word..) and with 2 up and coming Melbourne players!!!
I think thats a bit rich, don't ya think!!
Cheers,
StephenP
Comment by TheCoach