Eels coach Arthur assures Norman he’s in next year’s plans
The Australian
April 07, 2015 12:00AM
Before signing international half Kieran Foran to a four-year deal, Eels coach Brad Arthur sat down with five-eighth Corey Norman.
The former Brisbane Bronco has struck a rich vein of form early this season alongside the renaissance of half-back Chris Sandow.
But three halves don’t go into two positions, which was the precursor to Arthur seeking out Norman to tell him where he stood.
Foran announced his news three weeks ago and Arthur is starting to tire of questions of how he will use the Kiwis and Manly five-eighth in relation to Norman and Sandow.
“Our focus is on playing each week. Keiran is not on my mind at all. It’s about coaching this season,” Arthur told The Australian.
“Corey is a big part of our plans and he knows that.”
Norman was lured to the Eels by former coach Ricky Stuart, who admired the way he mirrored Darren Lockyer in booting the ball in positional play. Norman wanted the No 6 jersey more permanently than his flirtation with it at the Broncos.
There has been talk Norman would be moved back to fullback next year to allow Will Hopoate to come into the centres and Foran into the halves but Arthur will not enter into speculation.
Arthur also confirmed the club was close to re-signing Sandow.
Norman said he appreciated Arthur taking the time to chat with him regarding Foran.
“He grabbed me before Kieran’s news came out,’’ he said.
“We had a chat. We spoke plainly with each other and we’ve moved forward.”
For the record, having played with one starting Test half in Lockyer for two years at the Broncos, Norman is more than eager to play with another in Foran.
“Kieran is a great player and he will add to the competition around the club for spots. I think that’s a healthy sign for any club,” he said.
Norman is off contract at the end of next year and Gold Coast is also interested in him.
The Titans have lured Daly Cherry-Evans back to Queensland but Norman says there has been no contact with him from the Titans and he’s keen to stay an Eel.
His recent form would strengthen the Eels’ resolve to keep him.
After several try assists in the wins over Manly and the loss to Canterbury, it was Norman’s pass that put John Folau and Reece Robinson in for tries in the round four upset win over South Sydney.
“I just want to keep improving how I steer the team around and playing off the pack,” Norman said when asked his personal goals this year. “I wouldn’t mind getting across the line a few times myself too.”
