Eels skipper wants club to keep hold of Corey Norman for as long as they can
April 17, 2016 6:48pm
Nick WalshawThe Daily Telegraph
KIERAN Foran wants Parramatta to re-sign Corey Norman for as long as possible, saying he wants to spend “years” with his new halves partner.
Having led Parramatta to its best season opening since 1986, Foran urged Eels management to sort Norman’s deal, which is currently being delayed by an ongoing salary cap investigation.
Over the weekend, the Eels five-eighth was linked to a potential switch to Penrith, with suggestions he wants more than a proposed $1.8 million over three years.
Asked about the issue, Foran said: “I’ve always seen Corey as a player with a lot of X-factor.
“I mean, he’s always had loads and loads of skill. Is able to break a game right open.
“But doing a pre-season with him, I’ve seen a wider range of what he can do and what he can offer. He’s a top quality player. Someone I’d like to build a combination with over the coming years. He’s playing sensational footy at the moment.”
Despite being no stranger to lengthy contract talks himself, Foran insisted he would not try and persuade his halves partner into making a decision.
“He’s got to make that decision himself,’’ the New Zealand playmaker continued. “That’s an individual decision and we’ve got to stay out of his business.
“But as his halves partner and someone at the club, I’d love to see him stay. He’s a quality player. Gives us a lot of points.
“I know the club will be desperate to keep him and will do everything they can. “Hopefully they can come to a decision sooner rather than later and Normie can get on with enjoying his footy because I know he loves getting out there every week.”
Elsewhere, Foran said he was “loving” the chance to captain the Eels. Despite the threat of playing for nothing in 2016, Foran has helped the Blue and Golds put the ongoing cap saga to one side and start with five wins from their opening seven games
“I’m loving it, it’s brilliant,’’ he said. “Being the leader at such a proud club, you cherish every moment of it.
“I get a real kick out of leading these boys onto the park because they’re such a quality group of men. They work so hard, work their arses off.”
Asked about his captaincy influences, Foran nominated Manly skipper Jamie Lyon and New Zealand Test captain Simon Mannering.
“I learned a hell of a lot off Killer,” he said. “Then there’s Simon Mannering with the Kiwis, and I played a couple of All Stars games with Cameron Smith.
“I have tried to take a little bit from everyone. Jason King was someone I really looked up to as a leader at Manly, too. You mould it and then try to do it the way you think is best.”
