Dyldam Parramatta Eels five-eighth Corey Norman spoke ahead of the Round 9 clash with the Melbourne Storm and despite the disappointing start to the season, Norman is confident the Blue and Gold can turn things around.
With a handful of Eels featuring over the Representative Round, Norman said that it was a good opportunity for the rest of the squad to freshen up and mentally recharge.
“I think it is always good to get that week off and freshen up at this time of the year,” Norman said of the Representative Round.
“I think all the boys got away and did their thing and mentally freshened up as well so it was probably good for us.”
The Eels have been dealt with several early injuries in 2015, however Norman said that it was not an excuse for their poor performances so far.
The five-eighth has been impressed with the players who have come in as replacements, however he was hopeful winger Semi Radradra would make his return to the field this week against the Strom.
“The boys that have come in have done a good job so the injuries can’t be an excuse for us,” Norman said.
“Semi jumped into training after the Broncos game and trained in the three days we had here before the break and he looked sharp. I am not sure where he is at but we will see this week.”
“Semi is a big part of this team. He is good for us in the backfield getting us metres and he can finish a try so he will be good to have back.” Norman added.
With the Eels winning three games from the opening eight rounds, Norman admitted it was disappointing on where the team currently sat on the table (15th), however the Eels were still within striking distance in the tightly contested competition, just one win away from equalling the fifth ranked side.
“The table is pretty tight and if we get a couple of wins and a bit of momentum we could jump back up there, but at the moment we just have to worry about this week,” Norman said.
“It is disappointing, second last is not the spot you want to be but we just have to keep working and hopefully things turn.”
“It is round Nine and the table is so tight. If we can get a couple of wins we can jump back up there; definitely don’t go away from us yet.”
The Eels will take on the Storm this Sunday (10th May) at Pirtek Stadium for a massive Mother’s Day clash! Get tickets to the game here!
