[2][3] Turner was a member of the first successful All Whites campaign to qualify for the World Cup, in 1982 in Spain, where they played three group games against Scotland, USSR and Brazil, but he did not play in the finals due to an injury sustained soon after arrival in Spain.
[3][4][5] Turner started his senior career in 1973, playing for Petone in the local Capital Football leagues in Wellington, though he only making 2 appearances from the bench.
[8] Turner was the top goal scorer and voted Player of the Year in 1981 while playing with Gisborne City.
[9][10][8] He twice made the finals of the Chatham Cup, New Zealand premier knockout competition, also with the club.
[4][5][16] Turner retired from international football in 1988 after getting concussed in a match against Israel at Eden Park.