NORMAN TO BE HIT HARD
Corey Norman has returned to training with Parramatta after being stood down by the club after he pleaded guilty to drug offences in court last week.
However, Fox Sports’ chief NRL reporter says not to link his return to training with a return to the field, with the star playmaker set to face a ban that could extend to the end of the season.
Speaking on NRL Tonight, Hooper said he expected the NRL to take a “hard line” with Norman after several unsavoury incidents involving the Eels player this year.
Parramatta Eels NRL player Corey Norman leaves the Downing Centre court in Sydney.Source: AAP
“Obviously we know with Corey he was issued a warning for consorting with criminals at that Chinese dinner at Star City casino, the same night he was then found in possession of drugs he has since pleaded guilty to in a court of law,” Hooper said.
“Then of course we’ve got that video that’s got everyone behind the scenes talking about it.
“Certainly I think from an NRL point-of-view they believe enough is enough.
“ ... I don’t think we’ll see him again this season.”
However mystery still surrounds how the punishment will be handed down, with Norman still yet to front the NRL Integrity Unit, according to Hooper.
“Not quite sure exactly why Corey hasn’t fronted head office but as it sits at the moment there’s a little bit of a stand off going on.”