http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...-23214,00.html

Turner saga almost resolved
By Daniel Pace
January 24, 2007


THE long-running Steve Turner dispute between Melbourne and Gold Coast has almost come to a close after promising fullback Smith Samau was cleared of a serious shoulder injury today.

Samau, 20, was one of two Storm players offered to the Titans as part of a compensation package in exchange for the release of Turner from his three-year agreement with the National Rugby League newcomers.

But Samau suffered a recurrence of a left shoulder injury during a wrestling drill just days before agreeing to transfer to the Titans.

"He doesn't need any reconstructive surgery which is great," Gold Coast chief executive Michael Searle said after receiving the interim report from Melbourne shoulder specialist Dr Greg Hoy today.

"The surgeon is more than happy with the shoulder and that give us the confidence to move forward and negotiate a deal with the two players (Samau and 19-year-old Daniel Isaac).

"Provided we can come to terms with the players, we'll grant a release to Steve Turner upon those players signing contracts with us."

That scenario would free up Turner to play against the Titans in what looms as an intriguing trial in Coffs Harbour on February 17.

Searle said Samau's injury was a minor shoulder dislocation but the fullback was still in full training with the Storm and required only "a little bit of rehab".

"It appears the club doctor will give him a clean bill of health based on the surgeon's advice," Searle added.

"He's the best shoulder surgeon in the country so we can't do better than that."

Having been burned by Turner in August last year when he re-signed with Storm despite agreeing to play for Gold Coast in 2007, the Titans are taking no chances this time.

They are refusing to release the 22-year-old wing until Samau and Isaac have signed contracts with the club.

The Titans and Storm have been embroiled in a bitter battle over Turner's services for the past five months.

AAP
Hooray!