NORMAN COMMANDS BIG MONEY
Anthony Watmough could hold the key to Parramatta re-signing Corey Norman.
The Eels need to find another $600,000 over three years to ensure they don’t lose Norman as rival clubs begin to express their interest.
The five-eighth and his manager have rejected the club’s first offer worth $1.8 million which was produced last week.
The 25-year-old is asking for around $800,000 a season for his services, meaning the Eels are $200,000 short of where they need to be to keep him as Kieran Foran’s halves partner.
In a strange twist, Watmough could hold the key to the Eels re-signing Norman should he retire this year.
Watmough is waiting to hear whether his insurance claim for a chronic knee injury has gone through but if it does, it means the backrower’s contract won’t be counted towards the Eels’ salary cap next year.
Watmough has another three seasons on his deal worth almost $2 million which the Eels hope will be paid out in full so they have fresh funds to recruit and retain their stars.
The Eels are very interested in North Queensland enforcer James Tamou, however they’re not currently in a position to make the Test star a competitive offer.
Along with Norman, the club also has Michael Gordon, Nathan Peats, Danny Wicks and Isaac De Gois all off-contract.
