TOULOUSE LONG TREK
Norman admits coming out of retirement at age of 31 and flying in to help save French strugglers has rekindled his love of the game
Wakefield Trinity
Kick-off 2.30pm
COREY NORMAN loves his rugby league again and plans to bring more Magic to save Toulouse’s Super League status.
The controversial Australian stand-off (below) came out of retirement in April, surprisingly flying across the world to fire the bottom club’s safety bid.
And beating Wakefield in the crunch opening game of Magic Weekend today would put them within just two points of closest rivals Trinity.
The former Queensland State of Origin star got his first win in Toulouse colours in a 28-6 thrashing of Hull KR in France last Saturday. That raised hopes the promoted side could yet make a mockery of their tag as relegation favourites.
Norman said: “We’ve been thereabouts for a while now but that was one of the most complete games we’ve put together. It was pleasing.
“A few people were writing us off but we’ve a good chance to back that up this weekend and kick on for the rest of the year.
“It’s been fun. It’s just refreshing being over here. It’s more rewarding than anything, seeing so many of these players who have come up from the Championship and wanted to play Super
League for a very long time fulfil their dreams. They’re a great bunch, and I’ve come here to try to keep them up.” Dogged by off-field incidents, Norman, 31, was not offered a new deal by St GeorgeIllawarra at the end of last season. But it was still a shock when he packed in altogether, saying he had no desire to play professional rugby league anymore. Norman’s guile and brilliant kicking has lifted coach Sylvain Houles (left) and his side, who came close to beating Huddersfield on his debut before falling 17-16. He signed until the end of this season, but has not ruled out staying on for next year. “I’m not sure yet. I’ll get a better indication closer to the end of the season and if we stay up or not,” he said.
“Super League is very ad lib, rucks are a little quicker. It’s refreshing. I’m up against players I’ve not played against, which is a good challenge and I love it here in Toulouse. We’ll see what happens at the end.”
First comes Wakefield at the home of Newcastle United.
“I’m not massive about football but if it’s on telly I’ll watch,” added Norman (below in action against Wigan).
“All the boys have raved on about Magic and how good it is at Newcastle – the pitch, the crowd – so I can’t wait.
“We beat Wakefield this season but if we think we’re just going to turn up and do that again we’ll be in for a shock.”