Dyldam Parramatta Eels five-eighth Corey Norman says he's ready to have a standout year for the Blue and Gold in 2015.
The energetic 23-year old is looking to take the game by the scruff of the neck and has been working hard during the pre-season to ensure he is ready come the start of the season.
“The preseason at the moment is going along really well and all the new boys have fitted into the squad really well. It felt like they were here last year to be honest, but it’s going along really well,” Norman said.
“I am just going to go about my business and keep doing what I need to do for me team and doing what Brad asks of me,” Norman added.
Under the coaching of Brad Arthur, Norman is confident that the side has learnt from the 2014 season after missing out on playing Finals footy.
“Brad has had a lot more time to prepare our pre-season than he did last season and I think we just have to be more hard-nosed about what we do at training and hopefully that transfers out onto the field.”
Norman has been working closely alongside halves partner Chris Sandow, and the livewire number seven has been impressive during the Eels pre-season training.
Sandow has already claimed the Trainer of the Week award two consecutive times and has been vocal about his goal to have his best year yet at Parramatta. Norman, who is coming into his second year at the Blue and Gold, has been impressed by Sandow’s commitment at training and sees the cheeky halfback showing his leadership qualities.
“Chrissy has come back in great shape coming back 4-5 kilos lighter than he was last year. He has got Trainer of the Week the last three consecutive weeks and he’s looking for a big year and I’m sure he will do that.”
“He has been outstanding at training, he’s been vocal and everyday he’s been coming in with a good attitude.”
Whilst Norman and Sandow continue to build their halves combination and work closely with prospective fullbacks Reece Robinson and Will Hopoate during the preseason, the numerous possible combinations of the Eels backline continues to build a healthy competition for spots amongst the Blue and Gold squad.
Brand new signings Robinson, Brad Takairangi and Beau Champion have impressed early during the pre-season, and along with Bureta Faraimo, who debuted for the Eels late in 2014, the Eels will boast a backline with plenty of youth and exuberance.
“We now have Reece Robinson and Will Hopoate out there at the back and I’ve got confidence in them.”
“If I give them the ball, I know they are going to do something good, so I’m looking forward to getting out there in 2015.”
The new look Eels backline will be first on display at the upcoming Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines over the weekend of the 31st January and 1st February 2015 and Norman is excited about returning to the tournament.
“Last year was fun and obviously everybody knows what to expect now so it might change a little,” Norman said.
“I really enjoyed it this year. It was something different, you get to have a bit of fun and throw the ball around and it was exciting so it was something the fans wanted and they got that.”
