Young playmaker grateful for first crack in new colours

Paul Turner had to wait an incredible 422 days in between appearances on the big stage and upon getting his chance for his new club, the young half did an admirable job in his first outing in his fresh colours.

The 22-year-old suffered a season-ending shoulder injury early in 2021, forcing him to watch on for the sidelines for most of last year after only two games for the Warriors, before joining the Titans at the end of last year.

Coming back and building confidence in his body to endure the rigours of NRL, the New Zealand-born five-eighth dominated in the Hostplus Cup for Tweed in the first ten rounds, banging the door down for a first grade recall to join the spine after Jayden Campbell's injury.

"It was obviously a big, big privilege playing for the Titans," Turner said.

"I had a shoulder injury last year, so that took me out for about a year. I've only played like about three games in the last three years, so it's been pretty tough.

"The boys around me have just made me feel comfortable, playing footy and getting my confidence up. It's been pretty good."

Although not getting the victory against South Sydney, it was a formidable start to Turner's Titans career, finishing the 80 minutes with three tackle breaks, a line break, an offload and 25 tackles in his first ever with the No. 6 on his back.

"I thought the boys played pretty good. The efforts were pretty good," Turner said.

"It's just a few little errors that that let us down. Souths just completed their sets and took advantage of our tiredness."

Although now back playing at the top level and not in reserve grade, the stint with the Seagulls was special for the youngster, getting the opportunity to play alongside his older brother once again - something that hasn't happened for a number of seasons.

"The last time I played with him was in under 20s about four years ago, so playing alongside him on the same edge is a pretty special feeling," Turner said.

"Not many people get to do that with their siblings, so I'm pretty grateful."

Turner has been named to partner Toby Sexton again this week when the Titans face Cronulla at Coffs Harbour.