Parramatta Eels set to blood young gun Jaeman Salmon against Gold Coast Titans
Paul Crawley, NRL, The Daily Telegraph
August 2, 2018 5:09pm
THIS is about the best news Brad Arthur can deliver Parramatta fans after a season even the coach admits has been tougher to deal with than the salary cap scandal of 2016.
With mounting speculation Corey Norman won’t be at the Eels next year, a ray of hope has emerged in the form of rookie five-eighth Jaeman Salmon.
The 19-year-old, who Arthur likens to captain Clint Gutherson because of his work ethic and desire to be near the ball, will make his NRL debut off the bench on Saturday when the Eels tackle Gold Coast.
Norman on Friday revealed that Arthur had given him his blessing to a potential release from the final year of his contract if another opportunity presents itself.
“He said, ‘Look after Corey Norman’. So there you go,” Norman told Sky Sports’ Big Sports Breakfast.
“We’ve had a discussion and (Arthur) said, ‘Do what’s best for you.”
But so far several clubs have baulked at Norman because of his off-field history as well as the fact he’s on massive money next year, believed to be $900,000 plus.
Arthur maintains Norman has a deal in place if he wants to stay.
Asked if he expected Norman to be at the club next year, Arthur said: “I have got no idea.
“He has a contract.
“He obviously has to do what is best for Corey Norman and that is where it is at.”
As for Salmon, the clash against Gold Coast on Saturday is a chance to showcase his skills.
As far as the coach is concerned, the teenager not only has talent but a top-shelf attitude to go with it.
“In pre-season training he was outstanding,” Arthur said.
“He reminds me a bit of Gutho.
He will push himself in the fitness trying to keep up with Normy and Gutho and testing himself.
“The boys like him and he is a likeable character.”
Salmon joined the Eels last season from Cronulla while still wearing a neck brace after taking part in a schoolboy carnival unaware he had a broken neck.
Salmon copped an accidental knee while playing at the Australian Schoolboys trials that had the potential to end in tragedy.
After being initially told the damage was muscular, Salmon backed up the next day before severe headaches led to further X-rays that revealed he had two complete fractures in his C1 vertebra.
Asked if he was ready for NRL after 12 games this year in NSW Cup, Arthur said: “I think so. Physically he has handled (NSW Cup) no worries.
“He is 93-94kg and he is still growing.
“I reckon he might end up playing at 98kg.
“And the way he plays, he always pushes up.
“He is going to be someone that lives on the ball.”
Salmon’s arrival provides much needed hope for Eels fans after a year Arthur concedes has been harder to deal with than 2016.
The Eels go into Saturday’s game fighting to avoid the wooden spoon, sitting dead last on the ladder with only four wins from 15 games.
“Yes, of course (it has been tougher than 2016) because the results are not what we wanted,” Arthur said.
“We haven’t played the footy we wanted to.
“We just have to learn from it and be better.”
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