Corey Norman

Corey Norman (born 3 February 1991) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a five-eighth, halfback and fullback for the St. George Illawarra Dragons in the NRL.

For the American horror film director and writer, see Corey Norman (director).

Corey Norman

Personal information
Full name	Corey Norman
Born	(1991-02-03) 3 February 1991 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Height	185 cm (6 ft 1 in)
Weight	91 kg (14 st 5 lb)
Playing information
Position	Five-eighth, Fullback, Halfback
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P 2010–13 Brisbane Broncos 62 13 2 0 56 2014–18 Parramatta Eels 107 14 3 1 63 2019– St. George Illawarra 32 4 9 2 36 Total 201 31 14 3 155 Representative Years Team Pld T G FG P 2017 Prime Minister's XIII 1 0 0 0 0 2019 Queensland 1 0 0 0 0
As of 22 September 2019 Source: [1]

Norman previously played for the Brisbane Broncos and the Parramatta Eels in the National Rugby League, and has played for the Prime Minister's XIII and Queensland in the State of Origin series.

Background

Norman was born in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Of Maori and Indigenous Australian descent, Norman is eligible to represent both New Zealand and Australia.[2]

He attended Keebra Park State High School on the Gold Coast.

He played his junior football for the Beenleigh Lions before being signed by the Brisbane Broncos.[3]

Early career

Norman playing for the Brisbane Broncos' NYC team in 2009

Norman played for the Broncos NYC Team in 2009–2011, where in 2009 he was awarded as the Broncos Back of the Year.

Playing career

2010

In Round 1 of the 2010 NRL season, Norman made his NRL debut for the Brisbane Broncos against the North Queensland Cowboys, beating the likes of Josh Hoffman to the Number 1 jersey after impressing in the trials. Norman made an impression in the opening minutes by saving two early tries before for the 19th minute when he set up Israel Folau in the corner for the first try of the night. Three minutes later, Norman delivered a perfectly weighted pass to captain Darren Lockyer to send him over for the second try of the night which helped the Broncos stay in front for the rest of the game, eventually winning 30–24 at Suncorp Stadium. After the game, Norman was named Man of the Match and became an instant hit with Brisbane fans.[4][5]

Norman continued to play at fullback till Round 5 before going back to the Broncos NYC team for a few matches after Hoffman was chosen to be the preferred fullback. In Round 9 against the Melbourne Storm, Norman scored his first NRL Career try in the Broncos 36–14 upset win in the Storms’ first match at their new home ground of AAMI Park.[6] On 21 July, Norman extended his contract with the Broncos to the end of the 2012 season.[7] For the remainder of the season, Norman only played in 5 matches, 4 of them at five-eighth as an experiment.[8] He finished his debut year with 1 try from 12 matches. On 23 October, Norman played for the Junior Kangaroos against the Junior Kiwis, playing at five-eighth in both of the 2 junior test matches, the Kangaroos 24–16 win in the first and the 36–20 loss in the second test.[9][10][11]

2011

In the 2011 NRL season, Norman only played in 9 matches for the Broncos, playing most the year in the Toyota Cup.

2012

On 24 February, Norman extended his contract with the Broncos to the end of the 2013 season.[12] It was a breakout year for Norman, where he cemented the void five-eighth position following the retiring departure of Broncos captain Darren Lockyer.[13][14] Norman played in all of the Broncos 25 matches, scoring 10 tries and kicking 2 goals.

2013

Following the signing of Gold Coast Titans experienced playmaker Scott Prince to the Broncos, Norman was shifted back to fullback.[15][16] On 25 March, Norman announced that he signed a lucrative 3-year contract with the Parramatta Eels starting from 2014, guaranteed fulltime playing position in his preferred five-eighth spot.[17][18] Norman continued to play at fullback until Round 18 when he fell from favour of coach Anthony Griffin and spent the rest of the year playing for the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls in the Queensland Cup.[19][20] He finished his last year with the Broncos with 2 tries from 18 matches

2014

In February, Norman was selected in the Eels inaugural 2014 Auckland Nines squad.[21] In round 1, Norman made his club debut for Parramatta against the New Zealand Warriors, playing at five-eighth and kicking 2 goals in the 36–16 win at Parramatta Stadium.[22][23] In Round 10 against the St George Illawarra Dragons, he scored his first try for the Eels in the 36–0 win at Parramatta Stadium.[24] Norman cemented the five-eighth position, playing in all of the club’s 24 matches and scoring 3 tries in 2014.

2015

On 26 January, Norman played in the Auckland Nines and he was named in the Team of Tournament.[25] In Round 13 against the North Queensland Cowboys, Norman played his 100th NRL match and also scored a try in the 36–30 loss, after they lead 30–6 till up to the 57th minute.[26] Norman finished the season with 3 tries from 22 matches.

2016

In February, Norman captained the Eels Auckland Nines squad. He took out coveted Player of the Tournament award after he led the team as they triumphed over the New Zealand Warriors 22–4 to win their maiden Auckland 9's title.[27] In Round 1 against his former club the Broncos, Norman left the field injured and was seen using his mobile phone in the changing room, which is banned during NRL matches. Norman was cleared of wrong-doing and said that he was only letting his family know that he was okay.[28]

During a round 9 game, commentator Phil Gould quoted, "Norman would walk into a blues Jersey if he was a New South Welshman." Norman's eligibility is to Queensland despite being stuck behind the likes of Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk.[29] By May, Norman was named third in the leader board for the Dally M Medal.[30] On 21 July, Norman’s 2016 campaign ended after he was suspended for 8 weeks and was fined $20,000 for breaches of conduct including being caught with capsules of MDMA in his possession at the Star Casino, filming drug use and sexual activity and consorting with known criminals.[31][32] He scored one try from his 18 appearances in 2016.

2017

In February, Norman again captained the Eels Auckland Nines team.[33] In Round 1 against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, Norman made his return from suspension, shifting to halfback and scoring a try in the 20–12 win.[34]

On 23 July 2017, Norman kicked a field goal to win the game for Parramatta in a close match against The Wests Tigers 17–16.[35]

On 20 September 2017, Norman received a late call up to the Prime Minister's XIII Representative Team due to a late withdrawal from Canberra Raiders player Josh Papali’i. The team played against PNG XIII. Norman played his hand in two tries coming off the bench.

2018

In the 2018 season, Norman struggled with form over the opening rounds with the club sitting last on the table and only winning 2 of the first 11 games. On 22 May, coach Brad Arthur shifted Norman to fullback in a switch with Clint Gutherson for the Round 12 clash against The Brisbane Broncos. On 30 May 2017, Norman was handed a $20,000 breach notice for being spotted on social media drinking while he was on the injured list which is against club rules. Parramatta chief executive Bernie Gurr released a statement confirming Norman had been sent a breach notice. “The Parramatta Eels Club has been in discussion with Corey Norman and his management regarding a disciplinary matter, which resulted in a breach notice as part of our club’s disciplinary process,” Gurr said [36][37] Norman ended the 2018 season with 23 appearances for the club as Parramatta finished in last place on the ladder claiming their 14th wooden spoon.[38][39]

On 19 December the St George Illawarra Dragons announced the signing of Corey Norman to a 3-year deal.[40]

2019

On 15 January, a video emerged online through social media showing Norman and Australian Rugby Union player Kurtley Beale sitting on a couch as an older man is shown snorting cocaine off a plate. Norman was then heard saying “That’s the young blood right there baby. Get it baby, get it". Norman's new club had informed the NRL integrity unit and released a statement saying “The St George Illawarra Dragons have been made aware of a video circulating on social media of Corey Norman from several years ago, The Dragons informed the NRL Integrity Unit on Monday afternoon. The Integrity Unit confirmed they had previously been made aware of the footage and dealt with it accordingly at the time, The club will make no further comment".[41]

Norman made his debut for St. George Illawarra against North Queensland in round 1 which ended in a 24-12 defeat. In Round 3, he kicked the winning field goal in golden point as St George defeated Brisbane 25-24. The following week, Norman kicked a field goal in golden point for the second week running as they defeated Newcastle 13-12.[42]

In round 8, Norman played against his former club Parramatta for the first time since his departure from the club. St. George raced out to a 14-0 lead before a second half fight back by Parramatta saw them lose 32-18. Norman suffered a cheek fracture in the match and was taken from the field.[43] He returned in round 13 against Canterbury-Bankstown scoring a try in a 36-12 victory.[44]

On 17 June, Norman was named in the Queensland Maroons squad for Game 2 of State Of Origin as the 19th man. He played in game 3, setting up a try in the first half of the match after he put a kick through for Felise Kaufusi to score. In the second half and with only a minute remaining, the game was set to head into golden point extra-time to decide who would be the series winner until New South Wales shifted the ball to the wing of Blake Ferguson. Norman who was in cover defence missed his tackle on Ferguson who passed the ball back on the inside to James Tedesco who scored the match winning and series winning try.[45][46]

Norman made a total of 19 appearances for St. George Illawarra in his first year at the club as they endured one of the worst ever seasons finishing in 15th place. Before the start of the season, St George were expected to reach the finals and challenge for the premiership but only managed to win a total of 7 games.[47]

2020

In round 10 of the 2020 NRL season, Norman scored the winning try for St. George as they defeated Canterbury-Bankstown 28-22 at WIN Stadium.[48]

Personal life

Norman along with James Segeyaro and Isaac John own a clothing business called YKTR.

References

1. "Corey Norman - Career Stats & Summary". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
2. Badel, Peter (26 August 2012). "League: Kiwis sound out young Bronco". NZ Herald. Archived from the original on 26 August 2012.
3. Lutton, Phil (25 March 2010). "Where boys become men". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 31 July 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
4. DeKroo, Karl (13 March 2010). "Brisbane Broncos beat North Queensland Cowboys 30-24 at Suncorp Stadium". The Courier Mail. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
5. Heming, Wayne (12 March 2010). "Broncos beat Cowboys in 30–24 thriller". NRL.com. AAP. Archived from the original on 16 October 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
6. "Brisbane Broncos beat Melbourne Storm 36-14". The Courier Mail. AAP. 9 May 2010. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
7. Heming, Wayne (21 July 2010). "Norman's deal extended to 2012". NRL.com. AAP. Archived from the original on 16 October 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
8. "Jury still out on Gillett at five-eighth". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. AAP. 14 August 2010. Archived from the original on 4 May 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
9. "Junior Kangaroos team named". NRL.com. 5 October 2010. Archived from the original on 31 July 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
10. "Clinical Junior Kangaroos beat Kiwis". NRL.com. AAP. 23 October 2010. Archived from the original on 16 October 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
11. "Junior Kiwis level series after epic turnaround". Stuff. AAP. 31 October 2010. Archived from the original on 17 October 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
12. "Broncos re-sign Wallace, Norman". The Herald Sun. 24 February 2012. Retrieved 16 October 2017 – via The Courier Mail.
13. Garry, Chris (14 February 2012). "Broncos settle on Norman for No.6". Fox Sports Australia. Archived from the original on 5 April 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2017 – via The Daily Telegraph.
14. Badel, Peter (19 August 2012). "Darren Lockyer backs Corey Norman to fill the role of five-eighth for the Brisbane Broncos". The Sunday Mail. Archived from the original on 17 October 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
15. Badel, Peter (22 January 2013). "Corey Norman up for competition with Scott Prince for Broncos five-eighth spot". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 17 October 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
16. "Peter Wallace, Scott Prince or Corey Norman: Anthony Griffin to reveal Brisbane Broncos halves". Fox Sports Australia.
17. Heming, Wayne (25 March 2013). "Eels sign Corey Norman". The Sydney Morning Herald. AAP. Archived from the original on 17 October 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
18. Garry, Chris (25 March 2013). "Parramatta Eels sign young Brisbane Bronco Corey Norman". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 26 March 2013. Retrieved 16 October 2017 – via The Courier Mail.
19. Lutton, Phil (23 July 2013). "Corey Norman Broncos demotion due to poor form: Griffin". Brisbane Times. Archived from the original on 25 July 2013.
20. Heslehurst, Brayden (24 July 2013). "Axed Brisbane Broncos fullback Corey Norman will play for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls this Sunday". The Courier-Mail. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
21. "SQUADS FOR AUCKLAND NINES". Rugby League Week. 14 February 2014. Archived from the original on 15 January 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
22. Crawley, Paul (10 March 2014). "Hat-trick heroes Semi Radradra, Vai Toutai inspire electric Eels to win over Warriors". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
23. Kennedy, Chris (9 March 2014). "New Eels fire against underwhelming Warriors". NRL.com. Archived from the original on 16 October 2017.
24. Walsh, Dan (17 May 2014). "Eels crash Benji's return with six-try romp". NRL.com. Archived from the original on 16 October 2017.
25. "2015 Auckland Nines squad lists". NRL.com. 29 January 2015. Archived from the original on 3 August 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
26. Pengilly, Adam (8 June 2015). "North Queensland Cowboys stage third biggest comeback to stun Parramatta Eels: Five tries in 10 minutes". The Sydney Morning Herald.
27. Riccio, David (15 March 2016). "Parramatta Eels defeat New Zealand Warriors in Auckland Nines final". Fox Sports – via Daily Telegraph.
28. Glover, Ben (4 March 2016). "Corey Norman facing scrutiny over dressing room phone use after coming off injured". Fox Sports Australia. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
29. "Norman put on notice by Maroons". The Courier-Mail. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
30. Kdouh, Fatima (5 May 2016). "Dally M Award 2016: Josh Hodgson leads Micheal Ennis and Andrew Fifita". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
31. "NRL suspends Corey Norman". NRL.com. 21 July 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
32. "Corey Norman's season is likely over after NRL hands down eight week suspension". The Daily Telegraph. 21 July 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
33. "2017 Downer NRL Auckland Nines squads". NRL.com. 4 February 2017. Archived from the original on 31 July 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
34. "Parrammatta Eels star Corey Norman shows why he is in such great demand in the NRL". Wide World of Sports. 5 May 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
35. "Mitchell Moses and Corey Norman combine for the Eels to sink Wests Tigers". News.com.au. AAP. 23 July 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
36. Chammas, Michael (22 May 2018). "Arthur looks to spark Eels by switching Norman and Gutherson". National Rugby League. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
37. "Corey Norman facing $30,000 fine for drinking on booze ban". www.news.com.au. AAP. 30 May 2018. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
38. "Custom Match List". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
39. Brundson, Simon (3 September 2018). "Parramatta Eels NRL 2018: Season review, Brad Arthur, Jarryd Hayne". Fox Sports Australia. Archived from the original on 18 November 2018. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
40. "Corey Norman leaves Eels for Dragons". National Rugby League. 19 December 2018. Archived from the original on 4 April 2019. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
41. "NRL 2019: St George Illawarra Dragons release statement around video involving Corey Norman, Kurtley Beale". Fox Sports Australia. 15 January 2019. Archived from the original on 15 January 2019.
42. Phillips, Sam (24 April 2019). "Laid-back Norman is nobody's fool, says Dufty". Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 25 April 2019.
43. Stanton, Tanisha (5 May 2019). "Norman sidelined with suspected cheek fracture". NRL.com. Archived from the original on 5 May 2019.
44. Encarnacion, Matt (10 June 2019). "Corey Norman helps St George Illawarra Dragons end losing run". Stuff. Archived from the original on 10 June 2019.
45. Johnson, Paul (10 July 2019). "Emotional Blues legend Wayne Pearce opens up on his son Mitchell's battle". News.com.au. Archived from the original on 11 July 2019.
46. "Corey Norman one of several debutants in Queensland team for State of Origin Game 3". News.com.au. 1 July 2019. Archived from the original on 20 August 2019.
47. Chisholm, Ed (2 September 2019). "Paul McGregor facing the axe as St. George Illawarra Dragons coach following horror season". Sporting News.
48. "Sea Eagles Stun Eels Dogs Blow It Late". www.abc.net.au.

External links

• St. George Illawarra Dragons profile
• Parramatta Eels profile
• Eels profile
• NRL profile