Paul Turner granted release by the Warriors

Brendan Bradford

Paul Turner granted release by the Warriors image

The Warriors have granted off-contract utility Paul Turner an early release. 

There had been speculation Turner would move to the Broncos in a swap with Reece Walsh , but the trade didn't eventuate.

The Courier-Mail's Peter Badel reports Turner will sign with the Titans on a two-year deal, but nothing has been confirmed by the Gold Coast, who announced the signing of Esan Masters. 


If it comes off, the move will see Turner join Patrick Herbert at the Gold Coast after the centre left the Warriors over the off-season. 

Turner had shoulder surgery after picking up an injury during the Warriors' round six win over the Dragons. 

The versatile 20-year-old made his NRL debut against the Bulldogs last season, filling in at halfback in place of Chanel Harris-Tavita. 

He was limited to two appearances in 2021 before his shoulder injury, and his spot in Nathan Brown's side came into question following Walsh's signing.

“It’s unfortunate to lose Pauly as he’s been with us since 2018 and made his NRL debut with the club last year,” Warriors recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan said in a statement on Tuesday morning.

“His shoulder reconstruction has obviously ended his season and now it has ended his time with us.

“We made him a good offer which outweighed his new club’s deal but he and his support network believe his chances of playing NRL are greater elsewhere.

“While we are disappointed we thank Pauly for his contribution and wish him all the best for his future.”

Turner was initially spotted by South Sydney and scored eight tries in as many matches for the Rabbitohs' Harold Matthews side before returning to New Zealand with the Warriors in 2017. 

A star for the Warriors' under-20s team, Turner was awarded the Sonny Fai Medal in 2019 as the U-20s player of the year. 

He also represented the Junior Kiwis against the Australian Schoolboys in 2019. 

It's been a busy month for the Warriors on the recruitment and retention front. 

Exciting youngster Walsh signed in March and joined the team  less than two weeks later. 

In late April, outside back Hayze Perham was granted a release to join the Eels, while Kodi Nikorima took up an option to remain at the club in 2022. 

Earlier this week, rookie Rocco Berry signed a contract extension keeping him at the Warriors until 2024, with young prospects Zyon Maiuu and Jacob Laban each signing three-year deals. 

Fresh off a nailbiting win over North Queensland last weekend, the Warriors travel to Lottoland this Sunday to take on Manly. 

 

Brendan Bradford