I think Norman is streets ahead of Kelly, he's been solid without being brilliant but some of his touched in the first few months have been class and have lead to some really classy tries...
He's a real footballer
Norman has played very well in 6 out of 8 games thus far this season. To me, it appears Norman is playing to a structure and not stepping outside of it. This is what BA is looking for in his spine and in all his players. Those players who can't stick to a structure are GONE.
Under these circumstances I say Norman has been exceptional - he is playing better than I thought he would/could. It is Norman that has freed up Jarryd Hayne to get back to consistently playing at his best since 2009 and Jarryd is sticking to a structured game plan as well.
If this is the worst Norman can offer going back to round 1, then I am a very happy Parra Eels Fan.
And throw in Sandow's consistency improving heaps thanks to Norman who brings a wonderful calming influence over our squad. While Kelly regularly showed how to keep losing composure on the NRL field, Norman has stayed calm and focused without hardly being flustered.
BA has provided a simple game plan for Hopoate and it is paying off dividends already. BA knows Hoppa has a way to go to get back to his 2011 fitness, particularly that extra meter of speed, hence, defense, deference, defense and being an excellent link MAN (or visa-versa) to the backrowers........ but look out when he does recapture his 2011 fitness and speed. Hoppa has been fantastic in defense and a wonderful calming influence over Sio and the rest of the squad. Can't ask for more, better than what we've been dishing up in the centers since 2009, B Smith, J Horro, Morgan, etc...... :?
From my perspective, what we are experiencing here is the early stages of a team learning to play for each other as a team, there is NO room for "ego trips in BA's squad. This alone will pay off huge dividends for us next season and onwards, as well as possibly later this season too.
With a good base to work with BA only needs to sprinkle a few new forwards and backs here and there (sooner rather than later
) as we move along the NRL path, and as a "team", we are premiership contenders for the next 5 to 7 seasons minimum.
Considering its only the very early stages I love the way BA has kept the game plan simple but provided some room to attack from anywhere on the field just to keep the boys happy in the job of being an Eel. Nothing like a player excited about coming to work every day.
Huge difference to the f**king awful and most boring restricted game plans and negative attitudes SK & RS brought with them which also undermined the players confidence.
Hindy111, you need to concentrate on your sex life and getting your mileage points up instead of trying to be the Parra "expert" because Poo is the "only" certified Parra "expert" on this Forum and he has a proven track record to show for it.
