NZ Warriors have confirmed the departure of injured back utility Paul Turner.
The exciting young talent's contract expires at the end of the current campaign and although the club hoped to retain his services, Turner has played his last game for the Warriors.
The 20-year-old made just his second start for the club in last month's win over St George Dragons, scoring a try, but ending the game with a shoulder injury that required surgery.
According to Brisbane's Courier-Mail, Turner has signed with Gold Coast Titans.
Turner was ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan says he is sad to see Turner go, especially after offering him an enticing deal to stay.
"It's unfortunate to lose Pauly as he’s been with us since 2018 and made his NRL debut with the club last year," O’Sullivan says.
"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's name was linked with a move to Brisbane Broncos as part of the Reece Walsh deal, but it's understood the young Kiwi wasn't willing to play reserve grade for the struggling Queensland club.
Last year, the three-game Warrior saw his future at fullback - the position Walsh has been recruited to fill beyond this year.
Turner is the third Warriors player to depart the club this season. Karl Lawton and Hayze Perham were both granted early releases, while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is heading to rugby union in 2022.
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