In relation to the statements made today regarding Melbourne Storm and player Steve Turner, the CEO of Melbourne Storm Brian Waldron would like to make the following points known in relation to this contract.
Waldron said in a statement:
"Steve Turner did not have a signed contract with the Titans. If he did have he would certainly never have been offered and signed a contract with Storm. We were informed of this by the NRL last Friday.
"No one is denying there may have been some arrangements in place for Steve to go to the Titans, but the fact is these arrangements were never consummated and no legal contract was ever entered into nor any letter of intent signed.
"Now, who is to blame here? The player does not at any time receive any verification of any deal with the Titans so understandably he starts to question the Titan's commitment to him. He obviously wants to do the best by himself and secure his playing future. He now admits that the idea of going to the Titans is not a good one and agrees to a new three year deal with Storm.
"If both his manager and the Titans had followed NRL rules and regulations Steve Turner would not have resigned with Melbourne Storm.
"Melbourne Storm and Steve Turner are the innocent pawns here, the player wanted to secure his career and the Storm wanted a top class back to remain on their list.
"Steven Turner and Melbourne Storm should not be penalised for adhering to the rules of the NRL.
"This is certainly not the first instance of a player having a change of heart due to the way the negotiations have been handled by either club or manager.
"We at Melbourne Storm have been on the same end of the deal that the Titans now face themselves in 2004 when Fui Fui Moi Moi chose to sign with Parramatta.
"This was after the Storm had been informed by his manager in writing that a deal had been accepted for him to join the Storm. Upon understanding this was not the case and in realising the player himself wanted to remain at Parramatta, the Storm chose to walk away.
"Melbourne Storm and Steve Turner should not be penalised for a lack of professionalism by other parties.
"We do not see this as an NRL issue, as no NRL rule or law has been tampered with or broken. This matter is strictly between the Titans, Storm, Steve Turner and his manager.
"We at the Melbourne Storm will vigorously defend our rights to conduct our business in a proper and professional manner. We will not adhere to the business principles of others."
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Waldron said in a statement:
"Steve Turner did not have a signed contract with the Titans. If he did have he would certainly never have been offered and signed a contract with Storm. We were informed of this by the NRL last Friday.
"No one is denying there may have been some arrangements in place for Steve to go to the Titans, but the fact is these arrangements were never consummated and no legal contract was ever entered into nor any letter of intent signed.
"Now, who is to blame here? The player does not at any time receive any verification of any deal with the Titans so understandably he starts to question the Titan's commitment to him. He obviously wants to do the best by himself and secure his playing future. He now admits that the idea of going to the Titans is not a good one and agrees to a new three year deal with Storm.
"If both his manager and the Titans had followed NRL rules and regulations Steve Turner would not have resigned with Melbourne Storm.
"Melbourne Storm and Steve Turner are the innocent pawns here, the player wanted to secure his career and the Storm wanted a top class back to remain on their list.
"Steven Turner and Melbourne Storm should not be penalised for adhering to the rules of the NRL.
"This is certainly not the first instance of a player having a change of heart due to the way the negotiations have been handled by either club or manager.
"We at Melbourne Storm have been on the same end of the deal that the Titans now face themselves in 2004 when Fui Fui Moi Moi chose to sign with Parramatta.
"This was after the Storm had been informed by his manager in writing that a deal had been accepted for him to join the Storm. Upon understanding this was not the case and in realising the player himself wanted to remain at Parramatta, the Storm chose to walk away.
"Melbourne Storm and Steve Turner should not be penalised for a lack of professionalism by other parties.
"We do not see this as an NRL issue, as no NRL rule or law has been tampered with or broken. This matter is strictly between the Titans, Storm, Steve Turner and his manager.
"We at the Melbourne Storm will vigorously defend our rights to conduct our business in a proper and professional manner. We will not adhere to the business principles of others."
News sent by: www.melbournestorm.com.au
