Turner was the Queensland state rugby league team's manager from 1982 until 1996, when he stepped down to take a role in the "Former Origin Greats" (FOGS) organisation.
He was also chairman of the South Queensland Crushers club during its entire existence from 1995 to 1997.
[3] In 2008, during his battle with illness he wrote a letter for the Queensland rugby league team which has been read to them for inspiration in subsequent State of Origin series.
[5] Actor Michael Caton inherited Turner's cultural ambassador role with the Queensland rugby league team.
During the 2009 State of Origin series, he was honoured outside Lang Park with a plaque.