Macarthur Rugby League: Corey Norman and Brad Takairangi talk ahead of Sunday’s clash at Thirlmere

It’ll be no ordinary outing for fans heading to Thirlmere on Sunday. With six former NRL stars on show, there will be plenty of banter when South West hit town. Hear from two of the stars.

Former Parramatta teammates Corey Norman (left) and Brad Takairangi will face-off in round five of the Macarthur Rugby League. Pic Brett Costello

Widely recognised for its collection of historic trains, come Sunday the sleepy town of Thirlmere in Sydney’s south-west is set to resemble a rugby league museum.

When reigning Macarthur premiers the Thirlmere Roosters host South West Goannas, six former stars will roll into town with a combined 895 NRL appearances between them.

Leading the way for the home side are top-flight discards Curtis Scott and Tim Simona, who this year have been joined by former Newcastle and Parramatta flyer Ken Sio.

Throw in the recent addition of former Queensland Origin playmaker Corey Norman, and it’s easy to see why gate takings in the local comp are on the rise.

(L-R) Brad Takairangi, Tim Mannah and Corey Norman back in their days at Parramatta. Pic Stephen Cooper

“I know a few of the boys and Curtis and Kenny asked me to come down and have a run,” said Norman, who recently returned to Australia after helping the London Broncos secure a return to Super League.

“It’s a pretty physical league, all the boys are up for it so I’m looking forward to it.”

Set to wear the No. 6 jumper, Norman is excited to be lining up against Brad Takairangi, who he played alongside on 67 occasions at Parramatta.

“It’s always good coming up against former teammates, there’s always plenty of banter,” Norman said following his debut last week against rivals Picton.

While Norman suits up for one of the competition heavyweights, it’s a totally different story for Takairangi and ex-Kiwi international Greg Eastwood. Winless last season, the battling Goannas were turfed out over the summer before being reinstated weeks before the season kicked off in late March.

“I’d never heard of the Goannas until Greg reached out,” explained Takairangi of his arrival at South West just three weeks before the opening round.

“I met with new coach Luke Deller, a former pathways coach at South Sydney, and we clicked straight away. Greg and I are passionate about grassroots footy and feel we can give back to the community and help build the club.

“No one gave us a chance this season, but we got the monkey off our back with a win in round one. The boys that had been here for a while had tears in their eyes, that’s how much it meant.”

And while Thirlmere will enter this weekend’s clash as warm favourites, Takairangi has a few surprises for his former Eels sidekick.

“I was looking at last week’s games, and I kicked five from five and Corey only got five from nine, so I’ve got him covered there,” Takairangi said with a laugh.

“We both played on the left side together. Myself and Norm have had lots of good times on and off the field, so I’m sure this will add to what we’ve already created.

“No one gives us a chance, but I’m quietly confident we can cause an upset. There will be a decent crowd, I know a lot of our former teammates including Tim Mannah and Isaac John are keen to come out.”

KEEN TO GET ON BOARD: Thirlmere v South West at Thirlmere Sports Ground, Sunday at 3pm