Corey Norman - An Analysis

There's been a bit of banter about Corey's performances this year. I think that everyone agrees that he's enjoyed a much better year this year. So let's examine his credentials.Positives* A much improved running game. He has broken the line much more this year and demonstrated speed and strength.* Passing game development. His try assists and role in our left side attack have been vital in our offence.* Talk. The mic'd up coverage on Sterlo's program were a great insight into his growing leadership role.* Versatlity. When needed to play at fullback, Norman showed another dimension to his game.* Defence. Quite solid. Very few players in the halves are outstanding defenders. They are often targeted by opposition attacks as a result of their size. I am quite happy with his defence (when he's not tackling his own players - I had to include that as I know that others would mention it after the Manly game).Areas that require improvement* Kicking game. Any top shelf half requires a more than adequate kicking game. We need to know that repeat sets, attacking kicks and field position kicks won't just come from Foran next year.* Match control. On field decision making and organisation comes through the halves. Again, we've bought Foran to improve this aspect of our play. I'd like Norman to step up even further in this aspect next year. He was described as a reluctant captain yesterday. He needs to thrive on leadership responsibility next year and you don't need the C next to your name to be a leader.Overall, I make this assessment about Norman. We look much better with him on the field than we do without him. Sharing the organisational role with Foran next year could well be the making of Norman. If he stays on his current path of improvement, good times might be in the offing.

You need to be a member of 1Eyed Eel to add comments!

Join 1Eyed Eel

Votes: 0
Email me when people reply –

Replies

  • He failed at yesterdays Coin Toss!! 

  • Well stated mate, I have made my feelings known on corey quite a few times in various threads.


    I honestly believe he will be the key aspect to any chances of success over the next few years. He is shaping as that point of difference and integral cog that is required for teams that want to compete for titles.

  • "I think the responsiblity this year has made him a better player", and that is what i have been talking about. He has stood up in a period where young players generally turn and hide. It is really promising and exciting for his career going forward. If he maintains that same mentality in a team that is capable of winning more than it loses, then we are in for an awesome ride.

  • He hasn't been as good as I thought he might be after picking him up from Brisbane. But he is improving and I think next year will be a solid performer for us.

    I liked the cut out pass to Semi and the passes to Mau this week and last week. He is adding some dimensions to his ball playing.

    • You have to remember that he is your quintessential north queensland kid, i think you can excuse him for his slow transition due to moving to a new city and playing environment.

  • Yesterday's conference BA comment he's turning into a real leader.
  • Sixties, I was going to write a blog on Norman too. I'm so excited about the Norman/Foran partnership I can barely contain myself, quite frankly.

    Norman has always frustrated the hell out of me. As I've said repeatedly since he joined us, he has absolutely sublime technical skills, but his decision-making has been poor. To me, this year he has played a much more controlled game - going to the line with a plan, which plays to his strengths and limits his weaknesses. But what I'm seeing more of, and what is more exciting is he's increasingly playing what is in front of him and his decision-making appears to have improved significantly.

    I said a couple of months back that I was sold on Norman - it's not the first time, I've flipped on, but I'm so stoked that this time he seems to have truly found his game.

    We will have the first genuine elite halves pairing since Kenny and Sterling next year IMO.

    • I called it the second foran was announced. There are exciting times ahead. Norman will kick on and dominate with a halves partner that can think for themselves and doesn't have to be carried.

    • Delete this post - "most elite halves pairing since Kenny and Sterling". Are you actually trying to anger the Football Gods on purpose???
      Someone give me a rifle, I need to shoot Phil's unicorn asap.

    • That decision making has improved and it's the part of his game that I'd love to see him improve even further next year. He has had to run the team this year so improvement was essential. Like you, I'm really looking forward to him sharing that responsibility with Foran next year.
This reply was deleted.

More stuff to read

Mallee57 replied to Eli Stephens's discussion Braith loves us.
"I think Braith respects Ryles as a coach and what he's doing at Parra and obviously believes Lomax did the wrong thing, listened to poor advice and brought this all upon himself and did the wrong thing to Parra"
1 hour ago
Mallee57 replied to Eli Stephens's discussion Braith loves us.
"Yep clearly hates Parra and has no idea what he's talking about"
1 hour ago
Mallee57 replied to Eli Stephens's discussion Braith loves us.
"Agree. He was giving to Reed who clearly hates the Eels and Reed has no idea what he's talking about. "
1 hour ago
Acme replied to Prof. Daz's discussion Game Day Blog R1 vs Storm: Gilgamesh and the Beer Goddess
"I'm putting last year down to the new style of attack and defence that had been implemented, as well as relying on Volkman at half. It was a disatorous 1st half without doubt, but I can't see that happening again. We should be much better prepared…"
4 hours ago
More…