FoxSports web article saying 'close to' $100K compo
Turner to stay with Storm
By Daniel Pace
January 15, 2007 RENEGADE wing Steve Turner will play for Melbourne for the next three years after Storm agreed to pay compensation to Gold Coast in return for the Titans releasing him.
The compromise ends a five-month bitter dispute between the National Rugby League clubs, with Turner being granted his wish to remain with the 2006 grand finalist despite agreeing to join the Titans on a three-year deal in June last year.
Turner had a change of heart in August, sparking an ugly feud between Storm chief executive Brian Waldron and Titans managing director Michael Searle.
Waldron initially refused to pay Gold Coast any compensation after the NRL sided with the Titans in the tug-of-war for the 22-year-old Turner's services but he finally relented.
Storm will provide two contracted junior players to Gold Coast - fullback Smith Samau and centre Daniel Isaac - as well as financial compensation in return for allowing Turner to renege on the Titans deal.
It is believed the financial compensation is close to $100,000 - the difference between the Titans' $150,000 deal for Turner and the upgraded offer from the Storm in which he re-signed until the end of 2009.
"We're happy with the outcome," said a relieved Searle.
A News Limited newspaper (EDS: Sunday Telegraph) reported the Sharks were in the mix for Turner as a replacement for Darren Albert but coach Ricky Stuart will now have to look elsewhere.
Coincidentally, the Titans' first NRL match will be a trial against Melbourne in Coffs Harbour on February 17.
In a further boost to the club, dual international Mat Rogers, 31, today agreed to terms for the 2007 season after quitting rugby last month, citing personal reasons.
"He seems great," said Searle.
"`Even his body language shows he's really fresh and jumping out of his skin to start training.
"He would've gone to training this afternoon if he had the chance.
"He's had lots of positive vibes around the city. The people respect his space here.
"It was smooth negotiations and it wasn't intense. We've been pretty open about what we could and couldn't afford in our top 17 anyway."
The early acquisition of Rogers, who was not due to join the Titans until the end of this year, means coach John Cartwright will have six internationals in his squad.
"If I had said a year ago that the plan was to have six internationals available for game one of the 2007 season, you would have thought I was mad," Cartwright said.
"But not only have we done that, we've also secured a dual international as our final signing of the year.
"I'm pretty sure we would be the envy of the premiership right now."
In another filip for the Titans, Great Britain wing Brian Carney has resolved visa problems in the UK and began training today after arriving on the Gold Coast on Sunday.
"It's going to take me a couple of days to get settled into the country and get right into the training," the Irishman told reporters today.
"I've no doubts that when the season starts I'll be up to scratch."
AAP
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21063562-23214,00.html
