Super Cronk
19-06-06, 04:09 PM
rleague.com
Melbourne Storm's Steve Turner is the latest Titans' recruit, signing a two-year deal with the fledgling club. The 21 year olds' decision to move was based on his goal of making 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."
The 21 year olds' path to achieving his preferred position has been blocked at both first grade clubs he's played with.
Titans Head Coach John Cartwright said, "My involvement with Steve dates back to when he first made grade at the Panthers. He was 16 and playing Premier League which in itself is impressive. He was a very special talent then and it was obvious he was a player of the future and at 21 now he is looking to cement a spot at fullback after being behind Rhys Wesser , Billy Slater and Greg Inglis over the years."
While Turner has had a successful season with Storm, Cartwright believes he will flourish at the new club given more opportunity.
Cartwright said, "The most exciting aspect of Steve is his form this year at the Storm, but we haven't seen the best of this player yet."
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) and 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."
Managing Director of the Titans, Michael Searle, was full of praise for the Storm administration who have handled the Titans approach very professionally.
Searle said, "I want to thank Chief Executive Brian Waldron and Coach Craig Bellamy for their approach during these negotiations. While we understand there is some disappointment at the Storm with Steve moving on I am sure there is also some excitement for his prospects of him gaining more game time in his chosen position of fullback."
Profile Snapshot:
DOB 10/10/1984
Height 177cm
Debut 2002
Started playing rugby league as a seven-year-old in Sydney's west, playing for both St Clair and Cambridge during his junior years.
An under-15 state level touch football player
Signed by the Panthers in 2000.
Was a standout for Penrith's Harold Matthews side and won selection in the NSW under-17 team.
In 2001 he was the Panthers SG Ball Player of the Year, played NSW under-19s and Junior Kangaroos.
In 2002 he made his first grade debut for Penrith against the Storm
In 2003 he signed with Melbourne.
Melbourne Storm's Steve Turner is the latest Titans' recruit, signing a two-year deal with the fledgling club. The 21 year olds' decision to move was based on his goal of making 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."
The 21 year olds' path to achieving his preferred position has been blocked at both first grade clubs he's played with.
Titans Head Coach John Cartwright said, "My involvement with Steve dates back to when he first made grade at the Panthers. He was 16 and playing Premier League which in itself is impressive. He was a very special talent then and it was obvious he was a player of the future and at 21 now he is looking to cement a spot at fullback after being behind Rhys Wesser , Billy Slater and Greg Inglis over the years."
While Turner has had a successful season with Storm, Cartwright believes he will flourish at the new club given more opportunity.
Cartwright said, "The most exciting aspect of Steve is his form this year at the Storm, but we haven't seen the best of this player yet."
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) and 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."
Managing Director of the Titans, Michael Searle, was full of praise for the Storm administration who have handled the Titans approach very professionally.
Searle said, "I want to thank Chief Executive Brian Waldron and Coach Craig Bellamy for their approach during these negotiations. While we understand there is some disappointment at the Storm with Steve moving on I am sure there is also some excitement for his prospects of him gaining more game time in his chosen position of fullback."
Profile Snapshot:
DOB 10/10/1984
Height 177cm
Debut 2002
Started playing rugby league as a seven-year-old in Sydney's west, playing for both St Clair and Cambridge during his junior years.
An under-15 state level touch football player
Signed by the Panthers in 2000.
Was a standout for Penrith's Harold Matthews side and won selection in the NSW under-17 team.
In 2001 he was the Panthers SG Ball Player of the Year, played NSW under-19s and Junior Kangaroos.
In 2002 he made his first grade debut for Penrith against the Storm
In 2003 he signed with Melbourne.