The Parramatta Eels are preparing to take on the second placed Sydney Roosters this Saturday night at ANZ Stadium in Round 25 of the NRL Telstra Premiership.
Heading into the final game of the season, coming off a 44-6 loss to the North Queensland Cowboys, Blue & Gold five-eighth Corey Norman says the side was embarrassed by their last up start.
“It was embarrassing. It was a tough one and really embarrassing,” Norman said on the Big Sports Breakfast this morning.
“There weren’t many positives to take out of that game at all. We have been really good half way through the year, until that game, but it wasn’t good and BA didn’t have much to say to be honest.”
Coming up against a Roosters side, who enter the round 25 clash off two defeats, Norman says the side will have no pressure on them, hoping to go out there and enjoy themselves in what will be the final game for some Eels.
“We have had a session and it has been up. We just have to realise that this is our last game of the year, we have to enjoy it,” Norman said.
“It’s the last game of the year, we have to come to training bouncing and look forward to the challenge on Saturday.”
“We have nothing to lose so we just have to go, throw the footy around and have a bit of fun.” He added.
“It’s our last game together, some people are leaving some are staying, things change in the Club so we just have to enjoy each others company on Saturday.”
The Eels will have a handful of position changes this week, with Norman returning to the halves alongside Mitch Moses seeing Jarryd Hayne move to fullback.
Norman was excited about the change.
“It will be good to be back in five-eighth, a little less running for me! It will be good to see Haynesy start at fullback and I’m excited to see that and see what he can come up with,” Norman said.
“His form has been good on the wing, but everyone knows fullback is his spot so we will see how he goes.”
Whilst Head Coach Brad Arthur has shouldered plenty of the responsibility for the Blue & Gold position on the ladder, Norman said it should be on the players.
He was hopeful of learning taking on the responsibility and learning from the year.
“The players feel that responsibility. Brad puts a lot of pressure on himself and he always has our back as a playing group and that’s what makes him such a great coach and a good bloke, but a lot of this season is on us as players,” Norman said.
“Hopefully we can all learn from this experience and make sure it doesn’t happen again this year.”
Ahead of the Round 25 clash against the Roosters, the Blue & Gold held their 2018 Ken Thornett Medal with forward Daniel Alvaro claiming the top prize.
Norman had plenty of praise for the hardworking front rower who Norman said just goes about his business.
“Daniel Alvaro claiming the Ken Thornett Medal was well deserved. He trains so hard and when he plays, he does all the little things and he is one of those players you need in the team.” Norman said.
“He never complains, he goes about his business and does his work and everyone couldn’t be happier for him getting that medal.”
Click here to hear the full interview on Big Sports Breakfast.
