Eels Blogs

Parramatta Eels star Corey Norman has reportedly signed with St George Illawarra Dragons

date: 21 July 2016

Sydney Morning Herald

In May Corey Norman’s manager, Paul Sutton, reported that his client had put a hold on his client’s contract negotiations with Parramatta, due to the drug’s drama surrounding the Parramatta Eels star.

Whilst the contract negotiations stalled, the Dragons have reportedly swooped to sign Norman on a 3 year deal estimated to be worth $2.4 million. The Dragons have reportedly been hotly pursuing Norman for some weeks. Norman was identified as the player to replace Benji Marshall next year.

It is reported that the Parramatta Eels star, rejected a revised offer from the Parramatta Eels after the offer was reduced to a two year deal worth a reported $1.3 million dollars. The Eels were reported to have concerns over Norman’s playing future and that he may have a negative impact on other players in the squad due to his former associating with underworld figures.

It also appears that Norman has played his last game in the blue and gold. Today, Norman has been suspended by the NRL for eight rounds of the 2016 season, which will see him unavailable for selection until the end of Round 26. Norman was also fined $20,000.

In June 25 year old, pled guilty to the drug possession charges.  He received an $800 fine after being found in possession of MDMA capsules and muscle relaxants at the Star casino on May 20. Norman was also issued with a consorting warning alongside ex-Penrith player James Segeyaro and former teammate Junior Paulo.

Corey Norman exits Local Court after pleading guilty to drug possession charges.

To add to the drama, Norman was embroiled in a fresh controversy when it emerged a sex tape of himself existed. It is understood that the video was offered to media outlets. The footage allegedly shows Norman performing a sex act on a naked woman and pouring beer on her.

Norman is one of several Eels players to endure a troubled 2016.

It has also emerged that Norman had sent a video of an elderly man snorting cocaine to other NRL players. It is understood that the video was sent using the SnapChat smartphone app.

Earlier in the week Max Donnelly, the current administrator at the Parramatta Eels, gave long suffering fans a glimmer of hope when he said he would "love" for code hopper Hayne to be in blue and gold in 2017 after his failed Olympic Games bid with the Fiji Sevens side.

"I would have to OK every transaction I would imagine down the track," Donnelly said. "I would want to be comfortable the signing of any particular person will fit within the salary cap.

"I don't know what room the football club has in its salary cap has. I think recruitment is something that's going on 365 days a year in clubs. I'm not saying we can't recruit, [but] it's a matter for the football club to deal with.

"Do the Eels want to try to get Jarryd Hayne in a blue and gold jersey? In an ideal world yes, but I've got no idea what room we have to move in the cap. I would love him to return, but I have no idea at all if it's possible.

Jarryd Hayne has some experience playing in sky blue for NSW.

It is rumoured that Hayne and his manager Wayne Beavis had a secret meeting with Australian rugby boss, Bill Pulver. It is understood the ARU and the cross code superstar discussed Hayne playing for the Waratahs next year in the Super Rugby.