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Norman is overrated.

thebigredv

First Grade
Messages
5,357
The Bulldogs would be the perfect fit for him..

Lets get back to giving our Juniors a crack at the big time , before they all pack up and go , while we continue to bring in over paid and over rated journeyman

Maybe we could trade Norman for Tim Lafai and we can assist by paying 50% of Norman's salary. Dragons footy.
 

Inisai Toga

Juniors
Messages
1,441
I don’t know why Widdop copped it, he was all class as far as I’m concerned. Always the sprinting back to mop up kicks and tackles. I think his shoulder got the better of him in the end but if anyone thinks he’s lazy then I must live in an alternate universe and watch a different game.
Well i thought he was a pretty average defender often took poor 6 tackle options and kicking game was also pretty average and frustrating to watch at times. I would never have made him captain either ! Too nice, same as Benny Creagh. He was a tidy five- eighth, but in my view slightly overrated in the press. I appreciate his contribution for Saints but never quite rated Gareth in the elite class or as highly as others.. i'll go back to my universe..
 
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redv13

Bench
Messages
2,805
Well i thought he was a pretty average defender often took poor 6 tackle options and kicking game was also pretty average and frustrating to watch at times. I would never have made him captain either ! Too nice, same as Benny Creagh. He was a tidy five- eighth, but in my view slightly overrated in the press. I appreciate his contribution for Saints but never quite rated Gareth in the elite class or as highly as others.. i'll go back to my universe..
Norman wouldn’t even be a pimple on Widdop’s ass!! Widdop had some issues yes but geez he was streets ahead of Norman and Widdop won plenty of games by himself for Saints unlike old slim shady
 

R&WTILLIDIE

First Grade
Messages
5,281
Well i thought he was a pretty average defender often took poor 6 tackle options and kicking game was also pretty average and frustrating to watch at times. I would never have made him captain either ! Too nice, same as Benny Creagh. He was a tidy five- eighth, but in my view slightly overrated in the press. I appreciate his contribution for Saints but never quite rated Gareth in the elite class or as highly as others.. i'll go back to my universe..

Widdop played well against average teams. But when the pressure was on him, he’d crumble. It seemed he was trying too hard to make things happen, like running sideways a lot and taking the wrong option. If he was under a different coach, I think he would’ve been an absolute gun...but that’s for another thread
 
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Inisai Toga

Juniors
Messages
1,441
Norman wouldn’t even be a pimple on Widdop’s ass!! Widdop had some issues yes but geez he was streets ahead of Norman and Widdop won plenty of games by himself for Saints unlike old slim shady
Agree, but i was really replying to the previous post not comparing to Norman. Taking the conversation a bit broader, i think the Dragons have lacked a top line game manger for some time. As good as some players that we've had in that position; Mundine, Barrett, etc.i still think that we've lacked someone that could control and close up games up for a long time. We've often squandered some good leads due to poor game control options. Never for one moment did I feel comfortable that we would bring home the bacon at 16-0 up last week and it’s been a while since I felt that way.
 
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possm

Coach
Messages
15,591
Swap Norman for a good prop, we need a top prop to lead our forward pack. We also need a top grade forward to replace Frizell and while we are at it, how about swaping Aitken for one of the Sharks young centres.
 

Forbes Creek Dragons

First Grade
Messages
5,078
Swap Norman for a good prop, we need a top prop to lead our forward pack. We also need a top grade forward to replace Frizell and while we are at it, how about swaping Aitken for one of the Sharks young centres.
Which Sharks centre? They are playing Dugan in the centre’s busted. I thought they were struggling for centres.
 

getsmarty

Immortal
Messages
33,485
Norman-Widdop swap deal torpedoed before it even got off the ground
Adrian Proszenko
August 5, 2020 — 6.23pm
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A Corey Norman-Gareth Widdop swap has been torpedoed as Jason Saab spoke for the first time about his reasons for wanting to leave St George Illawarra, declaring: “It’s kind of like a marriage that didn’t work out.”

Norman was signed as Widdop’s replacement after the Great Britain international decided to finish his career in England, but the moves haven’t worked out for any of the parties. The Dragons are keen to move on Norman, who is on $850,000 next year, just as Widdop weighs up a potential NRL return after his personal circumstances changed.

Managers and the role they play when NRL coaches look for a new position: Phil Gould

The developments sparked suggestions of a trade with Norman being swapped for Warrington playmaker Widdop. That, however, won’t happen. Norman has no intention of leaving, knowing he won’t be able to command anywhere near the money he is on at the Red V. Further, Wolves chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick told SEN’s Breakfast with Joel and Jimmy program that the club has no interest in the former Eel.

The Dragons have first rights on Widdop’s signature should he wish to resume his NRL career, but the club has no intention of doing so. Widdop, who hasn’t yet asked Warrington for a release, may pursue other opportunities in Australia should they arise.

Norman has been dropped for the Roosters clash, a bitter blow given he was representing Queensland this time last year. However, coach Paul McGregor denied the club was trying to force him out.

"The first time he hasn't been picked in 18 months at the club and we're talking about Gareth coming back already," McGregor said. "That's too unfair at this raw stage to even talk about it. And it hasn't been mentioned to me with the recruitment either.

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Corey Norman won't be switching places with Gareth Widdop.Credit:Getty Images

"I have not been told anything about that and it's just so unfair to the player, in Corey, that's here. We want Corey to play well this year."

However, it appears at least one Dragon will be moving on at the end of the season. Saab has been granted permission to explore his options elsewhere for next year despite being contracted until the end of 2022.

The winger asked for a release on compassionate grounds on several occasions and the Dragons finally agreed to allow him to test the market at the end of the season.

“There’s never any bad blood between the club and myself," Saab said. "Whenever I go out there I love playing for the Red V. It’s just unfortunate my circumstance with what’s going on away from footy is not really working out.

“That’s an ongoing process, but when I cross the white line, nothing else matters.

“We were able to sit down and have a chat about it – it was a good, long chat. It was a bit daunting, but it is what it is.

“At the end of the day, if you’re not happy off the field, you won’t be happy on it.

“It’s kind of like a marriage that didn’t work out, that sort of situation.”

Saab has made just four NRL appearances this year, taking his total to seven. The 19-year-old, who commutes from Merrylands to Wollongong daily for training, is stuck behind flankers Mikaele Ravalawa and Jordan Pereira.

“I always stress the fact that we get paid to throw a footy around; I don’t want to come across as ungrateful,” he said.

“I’m extremely grateful to do what I’m doing, but with the family situation, that comes first. I’m doing what’s best for myself and my siblings, most importantly.”
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/no...-even-got-off-the-ground-20200805-p55iwk.html
 

giboz71

First Grade
Messages
8,965
Norman's just not committed to footy. He's more focused on his clothing business and Instagram profile. He's never been focused on football.

He has talent for sure, he always used to tear us a new one when he was playing for the Eels. but he has no heart or desire. Hence his teams never go far when he's the main man.

Such a wasted talent. It's ridiculous he's on around 850k, a panic buy when Widdop decided to leave. Just cut your losses and get rid of him.
 
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