NRL 2021: Corey Norman set to miss Round 1 with the NRL poised to reject appeal

The NRL are set to reject Corey Norman’s bid to overturn a two-match suspension, over his role in a street brawl on the Australia Day long weekend.

MUDGEE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 27: Ben Hunt and Corey Norman of the Dragons look dejected after conceding a try during the Charity Shield & NRL Trial Match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Glen Willow Regional Sports Stadium on February 27, 2021 in Mudgee, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

The NRL are poised to reject Corey Norman’s plea to have a two-match suspension overturned which will see the St George Illawarra five-eighth miss the start of the season.
In a major body blow for the under-fire Dragons, NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo is expected to stand-firm in his position on Friday after the playmaker was originally served with a breach notice by the governing body for his role in a street fight on the Australia Day long weekend.

The NRL declared last month that Norman had brought the game into disrepute and subsequently proposed a two-match suspension - with one of those games suspended and hanging over his head for any future misdemeanours.

He was also served with a $20,000 fine and ordered to participate in education and training.
The NRL are currently in the final stages of reviewing all documentation provided by Norman and his lawyer Adrian Turner after the former QLD Origin player chose to contest the breach notice.

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The NRL is expected to reject Corey Norman’s appeal of a two match suspension and will miss Round 1. Picture: Getty Images.

The NRL are yet to make a final determination, but The Daily Telegraph understands the governing body have failed to receive any fresh evidence that suggests giving the green-light for Norman - or any player - to be involved in acts of violence.
There is a possibility that Norman could have his original $20,000 fine reduced in an acknowledgment by the NRL that there were mitigating circumstances.

Norman will also have the opportunity to further challenge any outcome via the NRL appeals tribunal.

However, Norman’s season-opening ban is expected to stand - a setback that neither he or the under-pressure Dragons need just nine-days away from their round one clash against Cronulla on Sunday, March 14.
The ban relates to Norman and former NRL player James Segeyaro being involved in a street fight in Cronulla on January 22.
The two close mates claim they were threatened and racially attacked by four members of the public while adding that after Norman attempted to diffuse the situation, he was “blindsided” and a ”fight broke out.”

Corey Norman was suspended for his role in a street fight, after close mate James Segeyaro claimed he was racially abused.

In handing out the breach notice last month, Abdo said he had taken into account the degree of provocation in determining the proposed penalty.
“We accept there was a degree of provocation which led to the incident, but as a game we have been very clear that provocation is not an excuse to engage in a street fight,’’ he said.
“Our players are role models for younger people in our community and they need to set the example for how to respond in such circumstances. We will always support our players who are subject to any form of abuse, but any form of violence is not an acceptable response.”
Norman‘s anticipated omission from the local derby will force Dragons coach Anthony Griffin into naming a new-look halves pairing for their season-opening grudge match with the Sharks.

Halfback Adam Clune, who played 15-matches for Saints last season and rookie Jayden Sullivan, are Griffin‘s best option to partner Ben Hunt in the halves.
A two-game ban - with one match suspended - for Norman would be consistent with the NRL’s recent penalties for similar indiscretions including South Sydney five-eighth Cody Walker, who received two matches after he was caught on film in a street fight in Casino last year.

The NRL also previously banned Melbourne Storm forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona from three Test matches for New Zealand for his role in a Bali street brawl at the end of 2019.

With one week of the two week ban suspended, Corey Norman will only miss one game for now. Picture: Getty Images.

PERFORM OR PERISH: DRAGONS’ MESSAGE TO OFF-CONTRACT STARS

-Paul Crawley

Perform or perish. That’s the straightforward message coming out of St George Illawarra in respect to the futures of off-contract stars Matt Dufty and Corey Norman heading into the new NRL season.

Dragons management shocked and upset more than a few earlier this year after failing to make an offer to Cameron McInnes before the much-admired captain signed with Cronulla.

But instead of being scared off by the fallout from that, the Dragons are now expected to double down and play hardball with both Dufty and Norman until both players prove they deserve new deals.

While new coach Anthony Griffin is said to rate both players highly when they’re playing at their best, what he wants to see now is them play at their best consistently before negotiations move forward.

Given what we all saw from the Dragons in the Charity Shield loss to South Sydney last weekend, it is understandable that the club is in no rush to make any rash decisions.

Dragons coach Anthony Griffin has put his players on notice. Picture Dragons Media

But the problem for Dufty is that he was already agitating for a new deal back in January when he told the media: “I haven’t heard anything from the club - it’s a bit disappointing they haven’t talked to me yet.

“I’ve given a lot to the Dragons since I was about 14, I’d just like to think they want me.

“That’s all I want to feel. Money’s not an issue, it’s just the fact (he wants) a bit of respect.”

But six weeks on and talks are still to kick off.

This is despite the fact the Dragons last week signed exciting youngster Cody Ramsey to an extension that keeps him at the club until the end of 2024.

Ramsey’s rising status within may also hold the key to Dufty’s future, given the youngster is a serious long-term option at fullback.

Tyrell Sloan is the other exciting fullback who is signed until the end of 2023.

The Dragons also have the promising Max and Mat Feagai coming through as outside backs, while Zac Lomax and Jack Bird are on long deals.

Off-contract in 2021, the Dragons have yet to re-sign Matt Dufty, while Cody Ramsey is set to ink a new deal. Picture: Getty Images.

Dufty is now 25 and while he is one of the team’s most dangerous attacking weapons, his ability to stop tries — and his defence in general — certainly needs to dramatically improve for him to be rated up with the NRL’s best fullbacks.

Norman is in a similar predicament in that he isn’t exactly in a strong bargaining position given his form in recent years hasn’t nearly lived up to what is expected of a player on his lucrative salary.

Norman, 30, also has some good young players challenging for his spot in the shape of Jayden Sullivan, Junior Amone and Adam Clune.

With Norman suspended for the opening round, Sullivan and Clune are in the mix to start the season as Ben Hunt’s halves partner.

Corey Norman is also off-contract at the Dragons and will miss the start of the season due to suspension. Picture: Getty Images.

Norman will likely come straight back in when he is available but he really needs to fire this season if he is to have any hope of striking a new deal.

While Dufty said previously that he wants the Dragons to show “they want me”, the club is pretty much asking the same thing in respect to making on field performances do the talking from here.

If Dufty and Norman play to what they are capable they will no doubt get new deals in the coming months.

If not, they will be looking for a new home in 2022.