The Canberra Raiders have signed experienced English star Jordan Turner for two seasons commencing at the start of 2017.
Turner, 27, is currently playing for St Helens in the English Super League and has played over 200 first grade matches for Salford, Hull FC and St Helens.
An outside back, Turner also has the ability to cover multiple positions including backrow and five-eighth. He is also a former England under 18’s Academy International and Captain.
Turner expressed excitement at the prospect of playing in the country where his mother was born.
"It's been a long standing dream of mine to play in the NRL. When Sia was at St Helens we got along really well. I spoke to him about Canberra and the team. He was very helpful in making my decision," Turner said.
"I've been watching the Raiders closely this year because of the move. I know it's going to be quite tough for me to break into the team. The centres are pushing for Origin, the backrow is great and the halves are going really well.
"I can pretty much play anywhere. I'm just going to train hard and make the most of my chance when I get to Canberra."
Raiders Recruitment and High Performance Manager Peter Mulholland said he’s looking forward to seeing Turner join the NRL and said the Raiders will be looking for him to follow in the footsteps of other players from the Super League who have succeeded in Canberra.
“Jordan is an extremely talented and experienced player who joins us for two years from 2017. He has previously played alongside Sia Soliola at St Helens to win a premiership in 2014,” Mulholland said. “We’re hoping Jordan can continue the Raiders successful recruitment from England and can join the likes of Sia, Josh Hodgson and Elliott Whitehead in making the transition to the NRL.
“The Raiders would like to wish Jordan all the best for the remainder of the season with Saints and look forward to him joining the club for the beginning of the 2017 pre-season.”
