MICHAEL Jennings has anointed Corey Norman a future Parramatta captain, saying the troubled playmaker will thrive in the Eels’ new eight-man leadership group.
Jennings, also a newly inducted member, says Norman is keen to atone a controversy-laden 2016 season, which included an eight-week NRL suspension and a $20,000 fine for drug possession and filming a lewd sex video that went viral.
“Corey is definitely a leader,” Jennings told The Saturday Telegraph.
“I think he is a player that down the track can become the captain of Parramatta.
Leadership group member Corey Norman has a laugh with Eels co-captain Tim Mannah during Parramatta training. Picture: Phil Hillyard“You can see his leadership on the field as the halfback of the team, so this leadership group is a massive role for him.
“I know he is excited about the challenge for himself.
“He wants to become a leader and he wants to clean up a lot of things off the field.
“Everyone deserves a second chance and with a bit of responsibility will bring out the best in Corey and it will change him in a good way.
Corey Norman was suspended late last season. Picture: Mark Evans“Ever since Corey found out he has been proactive with everything that he is doing with the young fellas and with the team.”
Tim Mannah and Beau Scott have been named Parramatta’s co-captains for 2017, heading up a
group that also features young gun Tepai Moeroa and veterans Frank Pritchard, Issac De Gois and Manu Ma’u.
Parramatta's Michael Jennings is tackled by Bulldogs five-eighth Josh Reynolds last season. Picture: Brett CostelloThe group idea was the brainchild of coach Brad Arthur, who wanted to implement a stronger leadership presence.
“We’ve also got young Tepai in the group, so there is good variety with old and young,” Jennings said.
“I think for us as a playing group to go through the adversity of last season and come out the other end on a positive note is a good sign.
“The boys are now pretty keen to start the season on the front foot.”
Jennings is also pleased he’s been recognised by Arthur after a relatively modest first season at Parra following his switch from the Roosters.
“Brad has been talking to me since the start of last year about his plans on what he wanted from me.
“He didn’t just want my playing ability and I think he wanted my experience and what else I can bring to the team.”
Replies
I think it could be too late for Norman to get his act together - he just keeps going MIA in the brain department way too often.
IF (extremely big IF) he ever gets any sort of maturity between the ears he could be a great captain and foorballer - just don't see that ever happening in his case.
Almost every year we get the same crap from Norman about wanting to make amends for his stuff ups the previous season.
From memory DT did an almost identical article on Norman around this time LAST YEAR.
Newspaper Bossman - give me a Parra story
Glorified Gossip columnist- ok give me 5
Glorified Gossip columnist - ring ring , hey Jenko remember that fluff story I did on you after Boomgateagate ?
Jenko - errr yup
Glorified Gossip columnist - well I need a favour
Jenko - err ok
Glorified Gossip columnist - do you think your mate Norman could ever be captain ?
Jenko - umm what am I supposed to say no ? He's my mate .
Note from the Editor.
Dear Mr Wizards Sleeve
Your complete understanding of the running of a print media corporation has no equal.
I am happy to advise you have been successful in your application to become Rupert's understudy with a view to promoting you to Rupert's job within the next three days.
Welcome aboard and never let facts get in the way of a good Parramatta headline.
Yours in print
Ima Feckwit II
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/parramatta-eels/parramatta-coach...
Wiz
Could entice you with a suitable position beside Kate?
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