Norman’s exit revealed

Keebra product’s new lease on life at the Dragons

COREY Norman has revealed the decision to force him out of Parramatta came from the “top” and not Eels coach Brad Arthur.

Just 12 months after starring for the club the Keebra Park product was on the way out after a horrid year personally and for an Eels side who finished with the wooden spoon.

Norman, 28, says telling Arthur that he was St George Illawarra bound 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 tough to tell him I was going to leave. 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.

“(The 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.”

With the horror of 2018 behind him Norman is keen to reunite with former Brisbane teammate Ben Hunt at the Dragons. Hunt was instrumental in getting Norman to the club.

“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 for the start of the season with Norman having trained in both spots. Skipper Gareth Widdop has also split time in the two positions while incumbent Matt Dufty wants to keep his No. 1 jersey.

“I prefer to play fiveeighth,” 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.

“(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.”