Norman unhappy with output despite starring role

http://m.nrl.com/norman-unhappy-with-output-despite-starring-role/tabid/10874/newsid/104311/default.aspxBy Chris Kennedy, NRL.comMon, Mar 06, 2017 - 07:18AMEels playmaker Corey Norman's first NRL game in eight months ended the same way his previous one did: he was the best player on the field and produced a stunning kicking game to lead his team to victory. Yet he himself can only see things that need improvement.‌‌A full 241 days had elapsed since Norman walked off Pirtek Stadium on July 8th last year having just set up all four of his team's tries in a tight 22-18 win over the Roosters. On that night, rookie fullback Latrell Mitchell was tormented by Norman's magical boot.It was the last game he played before an eight-game ban – imposed by the club in consultation with the NRL Integrity Unit in response to a range of off-field indiscretions – ended a season in which he may otherwise have challenged for the Dally M Medal.Having not played for so long, Norman was pretty happy to just be out on the field again. And while he played a crucial role in his team's win, both he and his coach felt he had plenty of improvement left in him once his match fitness returns.Those highlights included setting up most of his team's seven forced drop outs with deft short kicks, one stunning long-range match-turning 40/20 kick, a nice solo try and a slick pass to help create another."I didn't want to try and do too much, I just had to play my bit," Norman said after the game."That first half I was blowing. I kind of found my second wind there and in the second half I was a bit tired. It's going to take a couple of weeks and I know that."It's good to play football again, I haven't played football for ages. As a club it's good to get a win like that. An ugly win. We'll take it."Pressed as to why he was disappointed in his own performance he added: "Just because I was a bit tired and a few plays there it wasn't good enough and a few of my kicks too."Like I said I don't want to put too much pressure on myself, I missed a fair bit of footy but it was good."The combination between himself and five-eighth Clint Gutherson – along with hooker Kaysa Pritchard and fullback Bevan French – is s totally new one and he said it will take time to develop."That's the first game we've played together... we've got a lot to improve on but we've got a good relationship off the field as well which I think is important as well. We kind of clicked there but we were still pretty rusty," he added.He insisted he got "a bit lucky" with his try because his kick deflected off a Manly player while his 40/20 was "an absolute fluke"."It was a good bounce mate, good bounce. But we'll take that!" he laughed.His coach Brad Arthur was very reserved in his praise of his star playmaker."Yeah he was good but I thought he was out on his feet," Arthur said in his post-game press conference."He's going to get better for us. He's not real happy with how he played so that's good that he's setting high expectations but he definitely made a difference for us."

Replies

Longfin Eel March 6, 2017 at 7:48am

Norman can achieve big things this year if he stays committed. It's good to see that he has high expectations.
- fishbulb > Longfin Eel March 6, 2017 at 8:17am
  
  Let's hope he keeps that attitude - he'll do fantastically if he does.
Enforcer Eel March 6, 2017 at 8:21am

Really want Norman to step up this year, has so much to re-pay us.

He is the senior half now, glad he can recognise he is game rusty.
CP March 6, 2017 at 8:23am

Just put $20 on him for Dally M this year.

But yes the combinations are new and thought all our tries were lucky. Definitely need improvement in our attack. 100% we would have lost without Norman there.
Baby Eel March 6, 2017 at 8:24am

if the spine gels... :)
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 March 6, 2017 at 8:52am

His kicking game was so good wow 9/10.

Manly were gassed the amount of line drop outs they had, and that 40/20 unbelievable. Controlled the match beautifully.
Longfin Eel March 6, 2017 at 9:12am

I'm wondering if he'll become the new Hayne "where's Norman?". I'm sure BA won't let that happen though and he will make sure there are other attacking options. I think over time French could be pretty potent from the back also.
Aaron Luke March 6, 2017 at 9:25am

That's what you wanna hear after a win, never been content and relaxed with your permformamce, always look for ways to improve
Traditional Croissant March 6, 2017 at 10:55am

It's amazing there was so much luck involved with his first try and that 40/20. It's refreshing he's honest about that. Where he could have / should have done better was create a try when we had them on their line set after set early in the 2nd half. Next best option was earning the ball back which he did because it completely gassed them to the point where they couldn't attack us with any real venom. But there will be times when not scoring points after that much possession WILL cost us a win. Happy with it though! Will take 2 points and no injuries any day!
Jack March 6, 2017 at 1:31pm

U can see he isn't satisfied with the way they won