Eels have made Corey Norman their No. 1 priority to retain post the club’s salary cap scandal
an hour ago
MATT LOGUEThe Daily Telegraph
Subscriber Exclusive Icon
NRL statement: Eels are cap compliant
PARRAMATTA has made off-contract five-eighth Corey Norman their No. 1 retention priority post the club’s salary cap scandal.
The Saturday Telegraph can reveal Eels coach Brad Arthur has started talks with Norman and his manager Paul Sutton about an extension.
The Eels are keen to lock in the in-form playmaker as soon as possible with a number of rival clubs, including the Roosters, circling for his signature.
Norman’s manager originally feared his client could be squeezed out to help the Eels get under the salary cap.
This has now changed following the departure of Nathan Peats to the Gold Coast and the impending retirement of Anthony Watmough due to a chronic knee injury.
Parramatta director Geoff Gerard confirmed discussions with Norman and his agent were well underway.
Must Read
746cfa90-18c5-11e6-b44e-cd0a4f84a81e - Thumbnail (100x75)
Cronk on verge of signing $1.7m extension
819323f6-18a3-11e6-b44e-cd0a4f84a81e - Thumbnail (100x75)
Sharks looking to rest Gallen
cbd47bbc-18b3-11e6-b44e-cd0a4f84a81e - Thumbnail (100x75)
Flanagan talks up Sharks trio for NSW
21985612-18c4-11e6-a541-b40052a6a23e - Thumbnail (100x75)
DCE fighting to resurrect his Origin career
25d294d6-18d3-11e6-b44e-cd0a4f84a81e - Thumbnail (100x75)
Bennett mounts staunch defence of Blair’s style
“The coach has been talking to Corey and his manager,” Gerard told The Saturday Telegraph.
“We are working with (Ian) Schubert, Peter (Sharp) and the coach to make sure those coming off contract are given offers and negotiations start.
Corey Norman arrives at Parramatta Eels training. Picture: Gregg Porteous
“That’s our next priority.”
Gerard admitted the club hasn’t commenced their search for independent directors, as requested by the NRL.
The Eels have until August to select three directors to take charge of operations moving forward.
“The NRL is aware that we want to work with them as quickly as we can to implement their recommendations, but those discussions haven’t started,” he said.
“It’s a little way off, but we’ll get there.”
Gerard said the club was also yet to determine who would be main voice at Parramatta when the five board directors, including chairman Steve Sharp, were forced to move on.
“Dealing in a crisis nobody has sat down and said, ‘okay, where are we with a temporary chairman or who is going to be the spokesperson,” he said.
“We may have that discussion in the next 48 hours.”
As for the prospect of taking on the chairman role, Gerard said he’d have to seriously weigh up his options before committing.
Corey Norman is Parramatta’s no. 1 retention priority. Pic Brett Costello
The former back-rower is currently juggling a fulltime job with a waste management company on top of his board duties at the Eels.
“That is a discussion I’d have to have with the other directors and my wife,” he said.
“Let’s be honest it isn’t an easy role and it does take up a lot of time.
“I still have a fulltime job and I’m dealing with a lot of this (Parramatta) stuff after hours.
“I’ve got a very sympathetic employer who knows what is going on.
“I work for one of the biggest waste companies in Australia and the world, so trying to deal with the Parramatta stuff and work is not easy.
“I can assure you it puts stress on not only me, but my wife and family and that’s something I’ve got to consider.”
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...l/news-story/9058318b4b784ebf915031b55ded0ab3
