Defiant Turner to stick with Storm
November 22, 2006 - 7:44PM
Defiant winger Steve Turner is refusing to leave Melbourne to join the Gold Coast Titans on a three year deal because he cemented a first grade spot with the Storm this year.
Turner is seeking a release from his three-year agreement with the Titans on compassionate grounds but club managing director Michael Searle is refusing to budge following a surprise meeting with him in a Brisbane hotel.
It's understood Turner told Searle he never believed he'd be playing first grade for the Storm when he agreed to join the Titans in June.
"It was all about the fact he wanted to stay in Melbourne because the Storm have been good to him," a Titans source said.
"That's doesn't constitute compassionate grounds for a release."
Turner went on to make 26 appearances for the Storm in a star-studded backline, scoring 18 tries for the losing grand finalists.
The news comes in the wake of a startling revelation the Titans are likely to grant Penrith forward Frank Puletua a release for compassionate reasons.
Searle had earlier told reporters on the Gold Coast that Turner would feel the "full wrath" of the NRL club if he wanted to stay with Melbourne for financial rather than compassionate reasons.
Searle said he was unconvinced Turner deserved to be released from the Titans after meeting with the Penrith junior.
"I asked Steve a direct question if there were any compassionate reasons other than him having an incredible loyalty to Melbourne and a desire to continue playing first grade for the Storm," Searle said.
"There was nothing new brought to light. We'd set a bad precedent for the game and the club if we released him."
Turner, partner Kate, player-manager David Riolo, Storm coach Craig Bellamy and club chief executive Brian Waldron met with Gallop in Sydney this morning to plead their case for the Penrith junior to remain in Melbourne.
Gallop said he had explained to Turner that the NRL's hands were tied on the thorny issue.
"The entire fabric of the system relies on clubs and players honouring their commitment," he added.
"It seems to be acknowledged that he had committed to the Titans but he certainly has some personal issues that make the situation complicated.
"The entire situation is very distressing."But Gallop said he would continue to support the Titans in their battle to ensure Turner honoured his agreement.
The Titans are privately fuming over Waldron's handling of the affair after Turner backflipped and re-signed with the Storm in August.
They claim the Storm have recruited "spin doctors" to put their case in a positive light.
"They'll come out and try to create something," a Titans source said.
Riolo said it was a difficult period for Turner, who was good friends with Titans coach John Cartwright and football manager Scott Sattler.
"He has strained those personal relationships because of this," Riolo said.
"It's been a very stressful time for him and his girlfriend."
Searle would now adopt a "wait and see" approach but Riolo said the ball was firmly in the Titans' court.
"Steve Turner wants to stay in Melbourne and he's pushed that forward to the Gold Coast," Riolo said.
"It's now up to them to decide what they want to do. It's been a difficult situation for everyone.
"The other problem the Gold Coast would have is replacing him in their roster."
Searle said Puletua had compelling family reasons to be released but stressed the club was yet to make a final decision.
"I'll probably sit down with John Cartwright in the next week or so and we'll work it through," Searle added.
"It is something we're considering and we'll go through the same process as with Steve Turner."
/ Hi ho, hi ho...its off to court we go...:^o
