For Shenton, he had a very good 4 nations in 2010 but hasn't kicked on from that and has possibly gone downhill (plus had several injuries).
I don't see Shenton as a signing that would help push our team to the next level.

Turner isn't better than average, he didn't even merit a place in the 17 at the beginning of the year. He's in good form at the minute(a couple of lapses aside) but form is only temporary and he's hardly been consistent over his time here.
It depends on where Saints are going to play him, he says he wants to playin the back row yet he's a replacement for Shenton?
The fact that the kid doesn't want to live 2 hours away from home to play for us says a lot as well.
I'd only want to keep him if he's not replaced adequately, and I don't think Arundel will be our only Centre signing.

He played for a grand final team last year!

I think the fact Agar didn't have a clue what to do with Turner and only used him due to injuries would have an impact on what Gentle thought as he hadn't seen much of Turner as a player.
I think the fact Gentle has now seen and worked with Turner and would like to keep him speaks volumes.
I do however agree its pathetic a lad his age and in his profession can't live 2hrs away from Oldham.

A comparison of this seasons stats for Turner, Shenton and Arundel.



These have been taken from the Super League websites. Whilst these stats don't give you the full picture, you can get a rough idea from them.

I thought Turner could put his winger away?

But really, a spread sheet?

He is clearly a better player, though a vast improvement is an exaggeration. In my opinion, he's always been a good quality centre, he's just needed better defensive structure around him and better game reading skills, which I think he's picked up during this season, as proved by a couple of his interceptions.

I remember asking in the Leeds play off game last season weather or not Turner was quick, because we'd never really seen him have the opportunity to go the length. This season, I don't remember him making a proper clean break and been caught.

Anyone who thinks shenton is currently better than turner has either not watched a Hull or saints match this season or is a fugwit masquerading as a genius with a masters degree from warwick

I've never rated shenton. turner isn't the finished article but you are doing him a disservice by saying any improvement this season is solely down to a better defensive structure. Last year he was almost as much of a turnstyle as welham. This year his one on one defence has been excellent. With ball in hand he is much better too.

Pedant.

Tbf I only questioned the vastness of the improvement, all players have raised their games. I don't agree with the improvement with ball in hand though, I think he's always had that. One on one defence is still hit & miss too. Think the difference is that I never thought he was [ithat[/i bad in the first place.
He only becomes a big loss if we don't recruit an adequate replacement. Arundel is a very good young talent, but I don't think he'll be our only centre signing if Turner does leave.

Posting facts is not being pedantic.

Sorry mate, but I disagree. He has improved. Sharp is a different story, Agar crushed his confidence and I believe we are now seeing what we should have seen from him last year. Yes, the defensive structure is massively helping Turner, but he looks quicker and stronger which aren't characteristics down to confidence. His feet to make Youngquest look stupid was brilliant and he looked very fast at Saints. On form, Turner is better then Martin for sure. I would give him the 3 shirt for next season, I've always rated him as a centre not just this season.