Titans brand Storm as bullies

[Philhawk]

http://www.smh.com.au/news/Sport/Ti...ies-over-Turner/2006/08/17/1155407944762.html

Titans brand Storm 'bullies' over Turner

Email
Print
Normal font
Large font
August 17, 2006 - 4:41PM

Advertisement

Advertisement

Gold Coast chief executive Michael Searle has accused Melbourne of bullying the NRL newcomers in the bitter tug-of-war over Storm winger Steve Turner.

The Titans had trumpeted the recruitment of Turner on a three-year deal in June but the 21-year-old this week re-signed with the Storm saying he had not signed a contract or letter of intent with the Gold Coast.

Titans boss Searle has branded the Storm's actions in trying to re-sign Turner for 2007 as "reprehensible" and "disrespectful" to the fledgling club.

Searle met with NRL chief executive David Gallop in Sydney to discuss the matter, which will likely be resolved by the league in the coming days.

"We feel that the efforts in the Melbourne Storm to secure Steven's services, despite the knowledge of this agreement, to be reprehensible," Searle said.

"We also think it's disrespectful to the Gold Coast Titans administration and its fans.

"If our advice had've been heeded on Tuesday when we said we had an agreement with Steve we wouldn't be in this situation.

"The Storm's tactics were bullying, they were very bullying on Tuesday, to sign an agreement with the knowledge he had already come to terms with us.

"The Gold Coast of old may have rolled over but this organisation won't.

"Subject to David Gallop's determination on the matter, Steven Turner will not be granted a release to play for the Melbourne Storm in 2007.

"He had approached us the week prior and we had, after long consideration between the coaching staff and myself, declined his request.

"The events of the past week have been greatly disappointing, not only for the Gold Coast Titans, but for rugby league fans in general."

Get over it. If he doesn't get released then fine, he'll play in the country AKA Lyon. Absolute disgrace.

 

[Philhawk]

Good old NRL. Changing the laws to suit themselves ...

 

[Calcium Man]

If he goes to the titans it will turn people who have a half interest in the game, like myself, off the game.

 

[littleduck]

Good old NRL. Changing the laws to suit themselves ...

What have the NRL done??????????? Nothing.

 

[littleduck]

If he goes to the titans it will turn people who have a half interest in the game, like myself, off the game.

Bollocks.

 

[Philhawk]

What have the NRL done??????????? Nothing.

They have the deciding say.

Watch them side with the Titans citing some obscure law.

 

[MrAaron]

he never actually signed any contract. the contract was shown to him only last Friday, and he never signed it anyway. They haven't got a leg to stand on.

 

[DBAH0]

I wonder if Penrith has the same "mutual" feeling with Gold Coast after the players they they've taken from them.

Michael Searle is quickly becoming one of most hated sport directors in all of Australia IMHO.

 

[year of the roo]

I look forward to yet another inane Gold Coast franchise falling apart in the coming years. Hopefully they take the Rabbitohs with them, both are a waste of time and money.

 

[Tigger Please!]

does this bloke ever stop whinging?

 

[Lidge]

Hey Searle....

Who ate all the pies?
Who ate all the pies?
You fat bastard,
You fat bastard,
You ate all the pies!

 

[littleduck]

They have the deciding say.

Watch them side with the Titans citing some obscure law.

obscure?????? you are kidding yourself.

 

[littleduck]

he never actually signed any contract. the contract was shown to him only last Friday, and he never signed it anyway. They haven't got a leg to stand on.

since when did the law change and binding agreements had to wholly written and signed?