Parramatta’s finals chances rely on Corey Norman becoming a big game player
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JULY 15, 2015
Parramatta’s finals chances rely on Corey Norman becoming a big game player. Picture Gregg Porteous
IF Parramatta are to sustain their run to the NRL finals, Corey Norman is the man to get them there.
With no Jarryd Hayne this year, and Kieran Foran not on board until next season, Eels fans will be desperate for Norman to become the big-game player the blue and gold desperately need.
Out-of-favour No. 7 Chris Sandow has really applied himself the past month, and is guaranteed to bring the fans through the gates because of his unpredictability.
Even Bulldogs players admit they don’t know what Sandow will throw at them on Friday night in the western Sydney grudge match at ANZ Stadium.
Parramatta's Corey Norman will be vital to their finals chances. Picture Gregg Porteous
But Eels coach Brad Arthur knows Norman — not Sandow — is the man who calls the shots, and the only player who can guide the proud club to September.
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Parramatta are shooting for their fourth straight win, but could have easily been gunning for eight on the trot had they held their nerve against the Warriors and South Sydney, and not surrendered a 24-point lead against North Queensland.
There’s every chance hooker Nathan Peats will return against the Dogs, even though he wasn’t named, and will need to complete tomorrow’s captain’s run.
As for the importance of Norman, Arthur told The Daily Telegraph last night: “The boys listen to Corey and get into the field position he wants, and he orchestrates the play from there.
“His preparation and his professionalism is a lot better this year, and he knows the game plans inside out.
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“He has taken on more of a leadership role, he’s organising the team and steering them around. He’s our point of contact so to speak.
“It’s been difficult the last couple of weeks for him at fullback, and probably feels like he hasn’t been in the game as much.
“In the halves he averages 50 to 60 touches a game, and at fullback he’s around 30 to 40 touches. He wants to get his hands on the ball more, and that will happen once ‘Robbo’ (Reece Robinson) is back.
“But he’s been really good, and instrumental in most of our really strong performances.’’
Arthur said Sandow, who won’t be at the Eels next year, had played well the past month, and it was Norman and Luke Kelly who had allowed him to ‘’live on the ball and play what he sees’’.
“What Chris has done is stick to the game plan, he’s kicking well, it’s just a case of making sure he’s strong defensively,’’ Arthur said.
Norman, 24, wasn’t fussed about the expectations on him, and more concerned with working out ways to get more touches while at fullback another week.
Parramatta's Corey Norman during an Eels training session. Picture Gregg Porteous
“I’m used to getting my hands on the ball a lot more, and I have to learn different ways to get my hands on the ball,’’ Norman said.
“The first week was a bit shaky and rusty, but last week I felt comfortable and in the groove again.
“I control the team. That allows Chrissy to play his footy. He doesn’t have to do too much thinking, and he can play backyard footy, which he’s good at.
“I get us to our points, and if Chrissy sees something, he does it, and we play our shape.’’
Dogs winger Sam Perrett said of Sandow: “He’s very instinctive, and if you leave a little gap in the line, he’ll naturally take it. That’s why you have to be sharp, you need to keep your lines straight, and everyone needs to be side by side, and as soon as someone steps out or falls behind, that’s when he goes for it, whether it's a chip or a quick run. He’s a talented player, for sure.’’
A very interesting story indeed. Corey is absolutely key to getting our act together towards the finals, and I believe has the potential to stamp himself as one of the game's 'big game players'.
Replies
But but you're only allowed to 'steer the team around the park' if you're wearing jersey number 7!!!
That is why Thurston should be #7, the Cowboys would be first if he was in the #7.
If only Sandow could have been developed as a fullback defensively when he was learning the game, would probably be one of the better fullbacks running around if they had done so.
the dogs key friday night will be starting fast and trying to hurt parra in tackles, they will; target semi legs and peats and taka, there dirty players , if parra can hold the dogs in the first 20 mins we should win the game, they will hit our rucks with fast play the balls and go up the middle simple plans.
the eels should know this , from past games ... go the eels solid defence the first 20 mins guys.
Good Points Rob,
This was their strategy in the first game we played and it left us battered with Semi being out for about 6 weeks plus numrous other players that were busted after that match. It took the team nearly 8 weeks to recover. They do play hard, target the legs in defence and try to smash through the ruck in attack. Our forwards will need to be rock solid to withstand the onslaught.
We need to play smarter, as I don't think we can match them in the "smash em up" type of game. We need to have a high completion rate, Limit the amount of possession we give them through no silly mistakes, play a tactical kicking game deep into the corners such that we hem them in their own half and limit the amount of metres they get.
In terms of our attack, fast play the balls around the ruck then spin it wide to take advantage of Semi and hopefully Robbo which will give us attacking options on both sides because they will definitely be targeting Semi with their dirty tackling. . We need Peats back for this to happn because IDG was pretty ordinary out of dummy half against the Tigers which took the edge of our go forward in that match
The other concern I have is that they will direct their big Boppas towards Sandow and Kelly to exploit their defensive weaknesses. A team is only as strong as its weakest link and there is no doubt that Dessie will know our weak links and target them. I am sure that BA will have the boys ready especially coming off the Bye but they will know they are in a battle because the Doggies dont like losing especially two in a row and at ANZ and against Parra. This is all shaping up to be a real battle.The $64K question is "Are We Up To It" I say "YES"
Go the Eels. Think Big. We Can Do It
I guess this also shows that our first year at a club can be pretty hard in terms of learning all the plays and structures. “His preparation and his professionalism is a lot better this year, and he knows the game plans inside out." I think this is something we will see with Choc next year. Hopefully Foran can make the switch easily, but it will take time, same for Gordon, Scott etc. Probably more so for Foran/Gordon as they will form part of our spine which needs to control the team around the park.
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