StephenP
ArnoldSteve Turner - What should he do??
November 21st 2006 06:38
Steve Turner - Should he play for Gold Coast or Melbourne??
Gold Coast Titans chief executive Michael Searle stated yesterday, that Storm winger Steve Turner is required to attend pre-season training with the fledgling club by no later than this coming Monday, or risk being fined.
The renegade winger verbally agreed to a 3 year Titans contract in June, and inexpicably 2 months later re-signed with the Melbourne Storm on a 2 year deal. Turner stated that he was 'unhappy with his decision and no longer wanted to go to the Gold Coast'.
The National Rugby League reviewed both sides of the case on the 17th of August, and sided with the Titans viewpoint that Turner should have to play for the new franchise. NRL chief David Gallop refused to register Turner's Storm contract, infuriating Melbourne chief Brian Waldron, who vowed that the contractual matter would be played out in the courts.
Turner is set to present his case to the NRL tomorrow, with his only realistic options being to play for the Titans in 2007, or sit out the next 3 seasons.
But, if Turner is forced to honour his Titans contract, do his Gold Coast teammates really want to play with someone who doesn't want to play with them? If Turner is that adamant that he wants to stay in Melbourne, should the Titans just bite the bullet, and take the compensation money that the Storm have offered them?
Or should Turner just stop having a severe case of the 'tantys', and honour his Gold Coast obligations for 2007only, as Searle has offered him this week?
What do you think Steve Turner should do?
1. Play for the Titans?
2. Sit out the next three seasons?
3. Take legal action so that his Storm contract can be registered?
Cheers,
StephenP.
Gold Coast Titans chief executive Michael Searle stated yesterday, that Storm winger Steve Turner is required to attend pre-season training with the fledgling club by no later than this coming Monday, or risk being fined.
The renegade winger verbally agreed to a 3 year Titans contract in June, and inexpicably 2 months later re-signed with the Melbourne Storm on a 2 year deal. Turner stated that he was 'unhappy with his decision and no longer wanted to go to the Gold Coast'.
The National Rugby League reviewed both sides of the case on the 17th of August, and sided with the Titans viewpoint that Turner should have to play for the new franchise. NRL chief David Gallop refused to register Turner's Storm contract, infuriating Melbourne chief Brian Waldron, who vowed that the contractual matter would be played out in the courts.
Turner is set to present his case to the NRL tomorrow, with his only realistic options being to play for the Titans in 2007, or sit out the next 3 seasons.
But, if Turner is forced to honour his Titans contract, do his Gold Coast teammates really want to play with someone who doesn't want to play with them? If Turner is that adamant that he wants to stay in Melbourne, should the Titans just bite the bullet, and take the compensation money that the Storm have offered them?
Or should Turner just stop having a severe case of the 'tantys', and honour his Gold Coast obligations for 2007only, as Searle has offered him this week?
What do you think Steve Turner should do?
1. Play for the Titans?
2. Sit out the next three seasons?
3. Take legal action so that his Storm contract can be registered?
StephenP.
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Comment by StephenP
NRL News
In my opinion, Turner should come up and play season 2007, and than make the decision as to whether he wants to honour his verbal contract with the Titans.
What do you think?
Cheers,
StephenP
Comment by Anonymous
U r on good money so earn it buddy.who wants to live in crappy melbourne anyway - the coast craps all over melbourne!
Markus
Comment by StephenP
NRL News
I agree that I prefer to live on the Gold Coast as opposed to Melbourne, but I think this issue goes deeper than a place of residency.
As I said above - come up for a season and see how you go Steve, than if you don't like it, head back down to Melbourne.
Cheers,
StephenP.
P.S. - Have you moved into your new joint yet, Markus?
Comment by StephenP
NRL News
Neither side is willing to back off, and honestly, Turner sitting out could be the best result for both parties.
Cheers,
StephenP
Comment by Mooch
Comment by StephenP
NRL News
Even though my opinion may be biased towards the Titans, the one thing that I don't understand, is why are we demanding a player come to our club, when his heart is clearly not in it?
What is the benfit of Turner coming to the Coast next year, if he is going to be an overpaid QRL Cup winger?
I would much rather that we take a payout from the Storm, wish Turner well, and invest that money into a QRL Cup winger, like Nathan Barnes.
Cheers,
StephenP
Comment by Mooch
The point I made the other day is even more relevant now. The Titans have admitted Steve Turner won't be playing for them next year BUT STILL want him to miss the next three seasons. They stand to gain nothing by going down this path other than a reputation for being a pack of b@stards.
I'm a League fan in Melbourne and I can tell you that if Turner is banned, on top of the f*cked refereeing in the Grand Final, the game down here will suffer because the conspiracy theorists in Melbourne are fully aware the other NRL clubs would rather the game retract and be purely a game for QLD and NSW. The problem is it's this sort of mentality that has seen the game dwarfed by the AFL and even Soccer in this country.
Comment by StephenP
NRL News
I agree with you that the Titans should just bite the bullet, take whatever compensation they can from Melbourne, and wish both parties well.
That's just my opinion.
I can see where the Titans are coming from though - trying to set the precedent early that they will not be pushed around being the new kid on the block. They are trying to instill the feeling that it is not okay to do a deal, and than renege on that deal for what is essentially a larger monetary contract.
BUT some commen sense has to be made from my soon to be future employers, and I beleive that they must relinquish the Turner episode from their books, and concentrate on the promotion of the club ahead of their debut season.
Just my thoughts,
StephenP
P.S. Mooch - Although I live on the Gold Coast, I am actually a one-eyed New South Welshman - I will make no fans when I start with the Titans as I am still going to support the NSW Blues and my beloved Parramatta Eels!!!
Comment by Leigh
There is no loyalty in proffessional sport these days, particularly in league. However, being a Melbourne Storm supporter, the club has been on the receiving end of that lack of loyalty (Kimmorley, Reynoldson, Moule, Orford, Rua, although he has returned, Bell etc) so it was good to see that Melbourne Storm have someone who wants to stay with the group regardless of money).
In a way I do not blame past players for leaving after making their mark at the Storm, because if you want to play rep football, don't play for the Storm.
Leigh
Comment by StephenP
NRL News
Thanks for dropping by!
While I agree with you about the Storm losing the players you mentioned, unfortunately Turner is in the same boat.
The facts are, that Turner agreed to a deal and has publically stated in media interviews that he was extremely keen to join the Titans. However, one or two months later, the Storm offred him a 'reported' upgrade of $150, 000 above what the Titans oferred him, and he responded by signing with the Storm and declaring that he all of a sudden had personal issues that prevented him moving north.
I would love to see the Titans just take the cash and let him stay at Melbourne, but I don't think that they will. Only time will tell as to what happens.
Cherers,
StephenP
Comment by phil
This saga is such a complex issue, and it should try to be seen from all angles. I will say now, that I'm an avid Storm supporter..to the disgust of my friends..
Firstly Steve Turner. He doesnt want to go to the coast because he probably wont get a go at fullback that much, with Mathers, and now probably Rogers ahead of him; infact its possible he wont even cement a starting postition on the side. Also he doesnt want the hassles of moving to the Coast, he wants to stay in Melbourne, where the pay is higher, and the likelihood of playing full-time is more secure. All in all, he just doesnt want to go to the coast for many many reasons, however I still beleive he is a silly man. While I understand his view about not wanting to go to the Titans because he didn't sign a contract, he shoulve taken the offer that Searle gave - play for a year and then be released. This simple solution wouldve solved all the problems, and by October 2007 everyone would be where they want to be. Turner, however, has remained stubborn and flatly refused. Now he's decided to stick to his guns and go back to training with the Storm after Christmas.
Secondly, regarding the Storm. I don't see why they should have to bail him out, surely they shouldnt have to risk 2 players just to secure him, they werent the ones who went back on their word. But on the same token, they are not without fault here either, offering a contract to a player at a hugely inflated price, who is intending to leave is a bit underhanded, and is ethically questionable.
And as for the Titans, I see where they are coming from, but dont understand why they are really bothering..he's just a winger who got very lucky at the back half of last season on Melbourne's (unsuccessful) charge to the premiership.I would get it if it were someone of the likes of Greg Inglis..but this is Steve Turner we're talking about.... Turner agreed to go but now he is breaking his word, that isn't right, morally it's incorrect..so? who does things properly these days anyway? like i said before, i dont see why are they bothering. With Rogers, Carney and Mathers, there is no room for Turner; they will end up, as what was said before in a naother post, with an overpaid QLD Cup player. One can only assume that they are doing this to set an example, so other clubs dont push them around in the future - as they certainly dont need the 'talent'! But each case should e based on its individual merits, and these merits certainly do not warrant the trouble! They should just accept a cash offer and get it over and done with, and get him with a big hit-up when the verse Melbourne later in the year.
So what will happen now? I foresee that Turner wont budge. Melbourne will try anything to keep him, except give up other players, and the Titans wont go down without a fight. If a resolution is not found soon, Turner will probably miss a bit of next season, but surely, out of sheer humanity, someone will give in, as such dispute just isnt worth it.
Phil.
Comment by StephenP
NRL News
I have kind of changed my view as this ongoing saga drags on, so much so, that I tend to agree 110% with what you expressed above.
I don't think this saga should end up in court, so my view is that theTitans (hopefully my future employers don't read this!!) should just take the cash being offered to them, and just let Turner stay in Melbourne.
Obviously Turner is not coming to the Coast, so what is the point of dragging this matter on further? I can understand why the Titans are requesting 2 young development players as well as the cash, but realistically, I think one player is enough - who would want to swap one player for two players anyway?
I think the NRL needs to step in before season 2007 kicks off, and make sure that Turner does not miss any football. Turner himself should be the one paying the numerical difference, and not the Storm (which I think is what has been organised anyway), and this financial loss should be sufficient punishment for causing this whole episode in the first place.
As you quite rightly pointed out, the Storm also need to be accountable for their actions, and this is why they should offer a monetary compensation package (not a massive one) as well as relinquishing a junior player that is willing to move to the Coast. The only reason I say that one player should be made to go, is that by Turner reneging on his original deal, the Titans are in effect one player down (although they have the depth in signings anyway).
I would love to see a common sense solution made soon though, as the saga is starting to distract from all the hard work that the titans have done thus far.
Cheers,
StephenP
Comment by craigob
QUESTION :WHY WOULD A CLUB NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT WITH A PLAYER WITHOUT HIS AGENTS KNOWLEDGE ?
because said agent (David Riolo) would have reminded his player that he did infact already agree to terms with another team, questionable team questionable player. sit and rot Steve Turner newsflash mate you are just like every other pleb on this earth when you agree to something be a man have a backbone and fulfill it regardless of whether you have second thoughts.
as for Merbourne storm your tactics on this particular deal has cost a decent player three years of his career.
remindes me of the days of the great John Ribot (ex storm owner) having to climb out of a toilet window out the back of a leagues club while tring to poach players for super league all because he didnt have the manhood to face the people out the front that were there to face him.
Comment by Leigh
Wow this is still going!! The coach has had enough of him, the players have had enough of him, I am sure the supporters have had enough of him. Only management still want him. As a Storm supporter, I have had enough of it. Let him play in England.
Titans, let it go.
Cheers
Leigh
Comment by StephenP
NRL News
Your spot on - everyone is well and truly over it!
I notice he came out in the media today declaring that he is living off his savings, and that the Titans nor the Storm have paid him - I am sorry Steve, but you have brought all this on yourself!
Why should they pay you, when all you have done is been a child about the whole situation that you caused!
It's time to act like a man - either sit out three seasons OR come up and play QRL for one year, than go back to Melbourne!
Cheers,
StephenP
Comment by craigob
Comment by StephenP
NRL News
I just can't understand why the Storm would be so keen to go to such lengths to keep him?
He has had one decent season in his career that far - is that really worth giving up a rumoured $100,000, two junior players and a heap of credibility??
Hope it was worth it, Steve Turner, Brian Waldron and whomever else was part of this fiasco!
Cheers,
StephenP
Comment by Leigh
Leigh