Dragons 2019: Norman looking for last laugh
Local Sport
IN THE ZONE: Dragons coach Paul McGregor says Corey Norman will be playing with a point to prove against the Eels on Sunday. Picture: Adam McLean.
DRAGONS five-eighth Corey Norman is a noted joker, but coach Paul McGregor says the constant smile belies a fierce competitive drive as the former Eel prepares to face his old club for the first time.
Norman played five seasons with the Eels but was deemed surplus to requirements at the end of last season after struggling despite having a year to run on his contract.
Gareth Widdop's planned departure for England at season's end opened the door for the 28-year-old to link with the Dragons on three-year deal.
He's wasted no time showing his worth, booting the Dragons to a pair of one-point wins over the opening seven rounds and McGregor has no doubt Norman will be primed for the showdown at Bankwest Stadium.
"People see that relaxed, happy, enjoyable bloke but he's always first on the training field and last to leave it," McGregor said.
"There's definitely a really competitive person there, we see it every week, and a person that wants to go after the game and go to the game in big moments
"I've never played against a former club so I don't know the experience but I certainly know when players have come up against their old clubs, especially when they've been moved for different purposes, they have a point to prove.
"He was one of those players that got forced to leave and probably didn't want to. He's motivated because he's at a new club and he wants to prove the club he's gone to is the right choice.
"We've had a 10-day turn so we gave the boys three days off but it's been all business the last seven and he's been a big part of that."
McGregor has made one significant change following last week's Anzac Day loss to the Roosters, shifting Euan Aitken to the bench to give Zac Lomax his first start in the centres this season.
McGregor said Lomax's goalkicking was a factor in the selection, but said the 19-year-old had earned a crack in his preferred jumper this week.
"Euay started the season really well, I was really happy with his form early on," McGregor said.
"I don't think he's held those standards over the last three weeks.
"Zac's been patient waiting for an opportunity as a centre and also brings the goalkicking quality to the team that we've missed.
"He's a young kid, it's still early in his career. One thing he has done is really attack that interchange role, coming on in different positions and really enjoyed that role.
"He hasn't been up in my office at any time wanting more. He's had a pretty good player in front of him who's still there.
"Euan won't be too far away, he's on our interchange and he's a high quality player. He hasn't had too many disappointments in his career and he'll bounce back from this."
McGregor said his side's focus will be on their start after missing the jump against the Roosters last week.
"We've got to start with more intent," McGregor said.
"That's what I spoke about after the game. When it's a big occasion like Anzac Day, and it's another big game this week, you've got to start with intent and be physical.
"It was disappointing to go in 14-0 down because we know we're a better side than that.
"We're motivated going forward because we know we had 40 per cent pf the ball and created enough opportunities to win the game but, in that first 40, we could've been a lot better.
"A team like us won't double up on that so we'll be ready to go tomorrow."
https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/6105779/norman-looking-for-last-laugh/?cs=302
