Thaiday likes the look of Norman

SAM Thaiday reckons Parramatta’s Corey Norman is well placed to make his Origin debut at halfback next year if Cooper Cronk retires.

Norman’s Parramatta will fully test Brisbane’s top-two mettle at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday, having finished strongly to beat the Broncos 28-14 at ANZ Stadium on July 28. Norman played 62 games for Brisbane before joining Parramatta for 2014, a bold move for many reasons, none more so than the Eels’ woodenspoon season in 2013.

The 26-year-old playmaker is yet to play finals footy for the Eels, but his fifth-placed team, with 32 points, will look to win their last two matches to be a chance of tipping out either Brisbane (34), Sydney Roosters (34) or Cronulla (32) from the four. “Corey has always been one of those freakishly skilful players and he needed an opportunity,” Thaiday said.

‘‘There has been times when he’s up there with the best halves in our competition.

“He will continue to get better and I’m sure at some point of time, we’ll see him in a representative jersey. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was wearing the Maroon next year.’’