NORMAN BLAMES EELS AT THE TOP
RUGBY LEAGUE: Corey Norman has revealed the decision to force him out of Parramatta came from the “top”, not coach Brad Arthur.
Just 12 months after starring for the club, he was sent packing following a horrid season for the side that finished with the wooden spoon.
Norman said revealing he was St George Illawarra bound to Arthur was among the most difficult conversations of his career.
“It’s no secret Parramatta didn’t see me in their future,” Norman said.
“The conversations with Brad when I decided to come to the Dragons was tough. We have a really good relationship. We are very close.
“It was weird. I didn’t want to say it to him. We have that respect. He just said he was always going to support me. He just wanted me to make the right decision.
“It (the club’s decision) must’ve come from the top. It came out that it came from the top. If they don’t see me in their future it is what it is. That’s what they’ve done.
“I felt like we let Brad down as players. You don’t realise how much it affects you until you step away from football. It was mentally draining.
“When I look back, sometimes we tried too hard and made it worse.”
Norman is keen to reunite with former Brisbane teammate Ben Hunt at the Dragons.
“Once I spoke to Benny he was keen to get me down here and the boys would love me,” Norman said.
“I’m excited now I’m here.” Norman wants to do more than just line up in the same starting 13 as Hunt. He wants to partner him in the halves.
Coach Paul McGregor is yet to settle on his fullback and fiveeight roles, with Norman having trained in both spots.
Skipper Gareth Widdop has also split time in the two positions, and incumbent Matt Dufty wants to keep his No. 1 jersey.
“I prefer to play five-eighth,” Norman said.
“It’s no secret that’s where I feel like I’d be best for the team. I don’t mind fullback. I just don’t think I’m quick enough.
“He (Hunt) compliments my game. I’m looking forward to having a couple of trials with him.
“We are all switching around so we can see how we go.
“It’s getting the balance and fluency between us. Everyone is on the same page.”