Dyldam Parramatta Eels half Corey Norman says he’s looking to settle in at the Blue and Gold as discussions continue to extend his contract at the club.
Norman’s current deal wraps up at the end of 2016, and the five-eighth - who’s stepped in at halfback in recent weeks - says he’s eager to stay part of the Eels squad.
“My main priority is to stay here,” Norman said.
“I like the Eels, and I like Brad and the coaching staff; I spoke to my manager this morning and they’re sorting something out pretty soon, so hopefully it comes on quick.”
Recent media speculation included the question of whether Norman might have been considered for an early release in place of hooker Nathan Peats to get the club within the salary cap, and Norman said the possibility was part of the reality of professional sport.
“It’s a tough one,” Norman said.
“When I heard he said that (Nathan Peats), I felt pretty bad. Obviously I didn’t want him to leave, but like he said, it’s a business and that’s just the way things happen these days. We’ve spoken and we were just as normal as we were before that happened.
“It was unfortunate, but that’s the way it is.”
And while the Blue and Gold prepare to face the Melbourne Storm, Norman was happy to joke about the blanket coverage of his former teammate Jarryd Hayne’s move to play rugby sevens.
“He said he was pretty keen to get back actually, to Parramatta,” Norman said.
“Nah, I’m only playing! All the boys congratulated him [on the move] and all the best to him and I’m sure he’ll do well.”
“We’ve done our video about last week [against the Rabbitohs] and we’re moving forward,” Norman added.
“It was a tough loss but I guess we’re going to have to move forward. We’ve got Melbourne this week, and they got a good win on the weekend so it’s going to be another tough game.”
The Eels kick off against the Melbourne Storm at Pirtek Stadium on Monday, May 23, at 7pm. Click through for tickets!
