The Parramatta Eels are searching for their first victory over the season, after six straight defeats and Blue & Gold five-eighth Corey Norman says that the side is doing it’s best in trying to stay positive.
With plenty of off-field scrutiny and negative criticism from fans and the general public, Norman says the Blue & Gold must continue to attack each day as it comes.
Starting the season with a 0-6 record, Norman was not making any excuses for their performances this year.
“We are trying to stay positive. Nobody likes losing six games in a row, it’s hard enough when you lose a couple, so you just have to try and stay positive and have a spring in your step,” Norman said on the Big Sports Breakfast when asked of how he turns up to training each day.
“If you come into training and you are moping around, it just gets worse and worse so you have to try and stay positive and attack everyday when it comes.”
“We have had our truth sessions and have been honest with each other throughout this whole process,” Norman added.
“We have had our honest discussions and at the moment we are just an ill-disciplined team that is not giving ourselves a chance to win football games.”
Norman says the Blue & Gold are lacking confidence at the moment, and that is having a big impact on their performances on the field.
“A big thing is our confidence at the moment. Confidence is a big thing in this game and we are lacking it at the moment.” Norman said.
“That tends to happen when you lose a few games and everyone is a bit tense and low on confidence.”
“Its all good when you are winning a few games, but when you start losing a few games, you start questioning yourself as a ball player.” He added.
“That is the confidence thing but I am trying to stay positive and upbeat. You don’t want to be doubting yourself on the field but at the moment, we have low confidence across the park.”
There has been talks surrounding Head Coach Brad Arthur from external media outlets, but Norman was quick to defend the Head Coach, saying they Blue & Gold coaching staff work around the clock to prepare the side and it was up to the players to get themselves out of the rut.
“We have Steve Murphy here who does a tremendous job and Joey Grima here as well that does stuff with us well,” Norman said.
“I don’t think Brad has taken on too much, with those two helping out a lot, and they are working around the clock to get everything right for us and as players, we need to look at ourselves and not to them.”
“As players, we need to look at ourselves and try get ourselves out of this rut because they are doing everything they can around the clock to help us out.”
The Eels will take on the inconsistent Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles this week, and Norman says the side will be motivated more than ever.
“The Sea Eagles got a bit of a touch up against the Tigers last week. We still remember what they did to us Round Two so if that doesn’t give us motivation, I don’t know what will.” Norman said.
“I thought Gutherson didn’t miss a beat last week. He was probably our best player out there in his first game back.” He added
“Hayne and Takaz are back so there is a bit of strike out there as well. We just need to get out there Sunday and put in a good performance.”
The Eels kick off against the Sea Eagles on Sunday 22 April at ANZ stadium in Round Seven of the NRL Telstra Premiership. Kick off is at 2pm.
Click here to listen to the full interview with Corey Norman on Big Sports Breakfast.
