Dyldam Parramatta Eels five-eighth Corey Norman has been awarded the 2015 Blue and Gold Army Members’ Player of the Year Award presented by Tooheys at last night’s Ken Thornett Medal (22 September 2015).
With the Blue and Gold Members submitting thousands of votes in the month’s lead up to the club’s presentation evening, Norman was the standout in the polls, holding a lead over Semi Radradra, Manu Ma’u and Tim Mannah.
Presented the Blue and Gold Army Members Award by Eels Ambassador Jay Huxley and Blue and Gold Member Jessica Wheat, Norman said it was a complete surprise, however he was very thankful.
“I was surprised. I thought Semi was going to get all the awards tonight and when they called my name out, I was a bit rattled and my speech probably showed that!” Norman said.
“But I’m very thankful to the Blue and Gold for that award.”
As Norman claimed the Blue and Gold Members’ Player of the Year, the five-eighth paid credit to his left edge; in particular the man who he thought would win the award, for their dominant performances in 2015.
“I love Semi. He’s very funny and I love what he does on the field and some of the tries he has scored this year,” Norman said.
“He still hasn’t thanked me for all the tries that he got, but ‘Takaz’ and I always have a laugh about it, ‘he has to give us some tries surely!’” he joked.
“There are some there that only Semi could score and it’s good to watch” Norman added.
With his eyes focused on 2016, Norman said whilst he was happy with his on field performance, there was still plenty to work on and he looked forward to seeing the Blue and Gold Army back in force next year.
“I am very happy with my performance from the year but there are still things I need to improve on and I’ll be working on them in the off season and hopefully I can get them right in 2016,” Norman said.
“I definitely want to thank the Blue and Gold Army, thank you for giving me that award and I’ll see you next year!” he added.
Click here for a full run down on all the 2015 Ken Thornett Medal winners.
