Jed Turner leaves NEAFL club Southport Sharks to sign with QAFL club Broabbeach Cats

A two-time NEAFL premiership winner has left the biggest amateur football club on the Gold Coast in a move that could deliver a QAFL title to another of the city’s clubs.

A two-time NEAFL premiership winner has left the biggest amateur football club on the Gold Coast in a move that could deliver a QAFL title to another of the city’s clubs.

Champion Southport Sharks ruckman Jed Turner has signed with the Broadbeach Cats for the 2020 QAFL season in one of the biggest recruitments of the off-season.

The Cats were eager to keep the deal quiet but the Bulletin can reveal the 194cm tall will be in the white and blue hoops next season.

Jed Turner celebrating with his Southport teammates after the Sharks Round 21 NEAFL win over Sydney University at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday, August 24, 2019. Picture credit: TJ Yelds/NEAFL.

Broadbeach played in the 2017 QAFL grand final and made the semi-finals in 2019 but a strong ruck specialist has been the missing link that has hindered their ability to enjoy further success.

“He brings a wealth of experience,” Cats senior men’s coach Beau Zorko said.

“He brings some real on field leadership which is something lacked last season.

“He is a big man. It will give our midfield confidence and as a forward there will be every chance the ball is coming their way.

SUN PLAYED WITH FRACTURED BACK

“He is a very strong man and in terms of us getting our hands on the football first and being able to be a little more aggressive at stoppages.

“It’s been an area the club has lacked. As a playing group you hit the ground and you run a bit taller and walk that little bit taller because you have got someone the status of Jed who can give you great confidence.”

Turner won NEAFL premierships with the Sharks and Aspley, has made the NEAFL representative side multiple times and played over 100 NEAFL games.

Southport Sharks ruckman Jed Turner. Picture: TJ Yelds/NEAFL.

The 28-year-old opted to step away from NEAFL football in order to spend more time looking after his construction company.

Southport recently welcomed the return of ruckman Fraser Thurlow and will likely keep Alex Aurrichio, allowing them to cover for Turner’s departure.

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“Jed is a good pick up for Broadbeach,” Sharks football manager Jarrod Field said.

“He will be awesome full-time at that level for them.

“They might improve significantly on the back of that. They haven’t been strong in that department for a long time.”