A New Lambton junior, Turner left Australia for a stint with the Spurs youth side in 1969 playing alongside stars like Steve Perryman, Graeme Souness and Phil Holder.

Turner returned to Australia in 1971 and as a 19-year-old played for the Socceroos against Israel in Melbourne that year.

He finished his playing years in Sydney for Western Suburbs until a knee injury sidelined him for good.

His life and sporting achievements were honoured before last night's Socceroos match against Denmark in Johannesburg.

Turner became a player agent after retirement before moving to Canberra with his wife, Gaye, and children, Adam, Matthew and Amy.

Turner's mother and his sister, ballet teacher Robyn Turner, live in Newcastle.

His funeral will be held tomorrow in Canberra.

¦ Wet weather is causing havoc for the region's competitions.

Only two of six First Division matches went ahead last weekend.

Dudley drew 1-all with Maitland and Belmont Swansea won 5-0 over whipping boys Wallsend, who have conceded 59 goals in 10 games.

The top-of-the-table clash between Lake Macquarie and Lambton was washed out.

"We've already got two catch-up games to play. Three would be a disaster," Jaffas coach Dave Tanchevski said.

"Any more rain and it'll put a lot of pressure on the second round of games."