Why I palmed off Broncos

COREY Norman says quitting the Broncos was so agonising it nearly reduced him to tears, but claims opportunity - not money - was the primary motivation behind his defection to Parramatta next season.

Corey Norman

COREY Norman says quitting the Broncos was so agonising it nearly reduced him to tears, but claims opportunity - not money - was the primary motivation behind his defection to Parramatta next season.

In his first interview since agreeing to a three-year deal with the Eels, Norman detailed the precise reasons why he walked away from a Broncos club that has nurtured him since the age of 16.

Broncos coach Anthony Griffin was among many insiders at Red Hill who were left stunned by Norman's decision to join the Eels, whose deal is worth an estimated $450,000 a season.

There is a prevailing sentiment Norman was seduced by Parramatta's seven-figure package and put fiscal gain ahead of the chance to become a senior playmaker at the Broncos.

The 22-year-old is nothing if not pragmatic. Money, of course, played a part.

But he says the opportunity to cement himself in the No.6 jumper sealed the Eels deal after he was shifted between fullback and five-eighth during his Broncos career.

Wherever he plays, Norman's precocious talent was palpable on Friday night, producing a commanding performance from fullback to pilot the Broncos to a 32-12 defeat of the Titans.

"It was the toughest decision I've had to make in my life so far," Norman told The Sunday Mail.

"Look, the offer from Parramatta was good, I'm not going to lie, but it's not just about money.

"If I'm honest, fullback is not my position and at the end of the day I see myself as a five-eighth and that's where I want to play.

"I like getting my hands on the ball and being involved.

"Long term I see myself as a five-eighth in the NRL and Parramatta are giving me that chance."

Groomed as the five-eighth successor to Darren Lockyer, Norman began last season in the No.6 jumper before being moved to the backfield as the Broncos scrapped to make the finals.

Griffin has maintained the status quo after five rounds this year, but ultimately the Broncos expected Norman to one day replicate Lockyer's transition from fullback to five-eighth.

Norman said fronting his Broncos teammates was a gut-wrenching experience.

"I spoke to 'Hook' (Griffin) and one day we had a team meeting about a game we were preparing for a couple of weeks ago," Norman recalls.

"After the meeting, because the boys were all there I thought it was the best way to tell them.

"I stood up and said I've made the decision not to sign, I'm going to Parramatta, and that was bloody tough. I had to cut it short.

"I started getting pretty upset ... pretty emotional. I've been at the Broncos since I was 16.

"I can't sit here and say anything critical of them as a club. They look after their players; that's why it was so difficult to walk away.

"There are a lot of boys here who have become good mates of mine and I've always lived in the Logan-Brisbane area. All my family is up here so it was definitely very hard."

Norman admits he initially feared suffering the same fate as Justin Hodges, who was ruthlessly axed to Queensland Cup by former Broncos coach Wayne Bennett after signing with the Roosters in 2002.

"It went through my mind that I might be dropped," he says.

"That was Hook's decision and if he chose to do it, I would have had to accept it, but Hook has stuck with me and I thank him for that.

"Thankfully, everyone has been understanding about it.

"The guys said just enjoy your time before you leave."

Norman said he had spoken briefly to Eels coach Ricky Stuart and is relishing the prospect of combining with halfback Chris Sandow, but his immediate focus is winning a Broncos premiership.

"I've met Chrissy (Sandow) a couple of times and he's a very good player as well. I'm looking forward to going down there next year and teaming up with him," Norman said.

"But at the moment, my mind is on the job here, I'm with the Broncos 110 per cent. I'll be giving them my best every week."