'Cliffy' savours new identity
By Freya Grant
May 14, 2004
CLIFFY is the new name on the lips of the blue and gold army this week.
But for the record, Parramatta's new English recruit is actually a Chris, not a Cliff.
Eels halfback Chris Thorman earned the moniker "Cliffy" when a rival newspaper got his name wrong in a recent article.
But a nickname is the last thing Thorman will be worried about as he goes into this weekend's pressure-filled match against the Storm.
Not only will Thorman run on in the critical position of halfback on Sunday but the former London Bronco has also nabbed the spot from benched senior player Adam Dykes.
But the 23-year-old believes the worst thing he could do in the lead-up to the match is think about the pressure.
"I've had to get used to the whole pressure of playing that position and now there is a little bit more added pressure because it's the NRL and the Eels, but it's something I'm trying not to think about," Thorman said yesterday.
"We've got a game plan ... we've just got to stick to our normal systems and on a personal note, I've just got to give it my best and go as hard as I can."
Thorman has been rewarded for his consistency in Premier League, earning his selection at halfback this week ahead of Dykes.
"I suppose I've been rewarded for taking the advice of the coach [Brian Smith] and bringing something of my own to the game," Thorman said.
Smith's interest in the halfback was piqued after his brother Tony, who coached Thorman at English Super League club Huddersfield, put his name forward.
Smith seems happy to bide his time with Thorman, with many considering the pick-up a shrewd investment for the club.
The Daily Telegraph
