League
Titans get heavy with Turner
By Daniel Pace
November 22, 2006
THE Gold Coast Titans have warned Steve Turner he faces the "full wrath" of the NRL club if he wants to stay with Melbourne for financial rather than compassionate reasons.
Titans managing director Michael Searle will meet with Turner in the next two days, probably in Sydney, to try to resolve the messy contractual dispute between his club and Melbourne that has dragged on for three months.
NRL chief executive David Gallop said today Turner had some "distressing'' personal issues to overcome but he would not reveal any details before the 22-year-old flyer had met with Searle.
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.
It's been reported the Storm had offered Turner an extra $100,000 to re-sign for three years with the club, despite him already agreeing to join the Titans until the end of 2009.
Searle said he was happy to discuss granting Turner a release on compassionate grounds but the wing would have to mount a compelling case.
"If it is purely financial then he should expect the full wrath of our organisation but if there are compassionate grounds then we'll look at it,'' Searle said.
"To date we've been given no evidence other than that he wants to stay in Melbourne and that is not a reason to terminate any agreement.
"If those reasons have changed or been modified then I'll sit down and listen to him. The game has to take a strong position on players unilaterally terminating agreements.
"Our club's in a Catch 22. Realistically we're going to be the only loser out of this.''
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 said.
"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 and I got an appreciation of that.''
But Gallop said his position had not wavered and 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 Storm in August.
Asked whether he was angry with Storm officials, Searle replied: "I'd be lying if I didn't say I was disappointed.
"We probably do see the financial inducement that was provided as something that concerns us and I think it is a whole game issue.
"With the pending release of anti-tampering obligations on clubs, I think this has been taken to another step to be frank.''
Searle said Turner's change of heart defied logic and he questioned whether it was all about the money.
"Call me a cynic but I think when there is extra cash, it does lead to people changing their mind,'' he said.
"I'm not saying that's the sole reason he's made the decision but until we're shown anything that resembles compassionate grounds our club won't entertain a release.''
Waldron denied suggestions Storm would launch a legal challenge against the NRL, which has steadfastly refused to register the club's contract with Turner.
AAP