Pearce clash to help Norman push Origin claim
COREY Norman can get an early chance to press for the Queensland No.6 jersey by getting one up on NSW’s halfback hopeful Mitchell Pearce.
The Parramatta playmaker has been in solid form at club level, and his left-footed kicking game and natural running game could win him a surprise call-up to the Maroons.
Norman and his Eels will chase their fourth straight win on Sunday against the Roosters and Pearce, who is also hoping to return to the NSW Origin team.
“If the opportunity came, I’d love to take it but I’ll worry about my football here and let my football do the talking,’’ Norman said.
“They have had (Michael) Morgan come off the bench in the last couple of years, and Daly (Cherry-Evans) has been there before.
“I’d guess it was out of those two.
“I think when you play with those players on that arena, your game will get better, no matter what.’’
Norman said even without Greg Inglis, Matt Scott and potentially Thurston, Queensland will be tough to beat in the Origin series.
“There’s so much depth in Queensland with all those series wins,’’ Norman said. “They just know how to win, that’s what it comes down to.
“No doubt there’s a culture there that is very contagious, and whoever gets in will have that confidence and winning feel.’’
Norman said apart from a couple of games this season when he felt he could have stepped up and helped Parramatta win, overall he is satisfied with his efforts in the club’s No.7 jersey.