Club Career
After playing with Ossett RUFC, Turner began his professional rugby league career at Hull Kingston Rovers. In 1955, Rocky was transferred from Hull Kingston Rovers to Oldham for £2,750 (based on increases in average earnings, this would be approximately £142,000 in 2009).
Rocky played his first match for Oldham against Hunslet on 3 September 1955. Rocky was instrumental in Oldham's success in the Rugby Football League Championship of 1956-57, the Lancashire Cup finals of 1955-56, 1956-57 & 1957-58, and the Lancashire League of 1956-57 & 1957-58. Whilst at Oldham, Rocky won 11 of his 24 Great Britain caps, winning the Ashes in 1956. In March 1959, Rocky was transferred from Oldham to Wakefield Trinity for £8,000 (based on increases in average earnings, this would be approximately £338,000 in 2009).
At Wakefield Trinity, Rocky's leadership qualities instantly recognised, and Rocky captained Wakefield Trinity to victory in three Challenge Cup finals (1960, 1962 and 1963).
Rocky played Loose forward/Lock in Wakefield Trinity's 3-27 defeat to Wigan in the 1959–60 Rugby Football League Championship final at Odsal Stadium, Bradford on Saturday 21 May 1960.
The Challenge Cup Final of 1959–60 presented by HM the Queen, the Challenge Cup Final of 1961-62 presented by Field Marshal Montgomery, the Challenge Cup Final of 1962-63 presented by Field Marshal Alexander.
Rocky also captained Wakefield Trinity to victory the Yorkshire Cup finals of 1960-61, 1961-62 & 1964-65, and the Yorkshire League of 1958-59, 1959–60, 1961-62 & 1962-63.
Whilst at Wakefield Trinity, Rocky won the remaining 13 of his 24 Great Britain caps, winning the World Cup in 1960 and the Ashes in 1959 & 1962, he also won his sole England cap.
Read more about this topic: Derek Turner
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