Eels players don’t know if Corey Norman will play this weekend against the Titans

WILL Corey Norman play for Parramatta this weekend? Don’t ask the Eels, because they have no idea.

Parramatta Eels NRL player Corey Norman leaves the Downing Centre court in Sydney, Wednesday, July 13, 2016. Norman has pleaded guilty to drug charges after being caught with MDMA at Sydney's Star Casino in May. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett) NO ARCHIVING

CONTROVERSIAL Parramatta playmaker Corey Norman is handling his woes well according to Kenny Edwards, who says it takes a lot to worry his “space cadet” teammate.

Norman is facing a possible lengthy NRL suspension after pleading guilty to drug possession last week.

Also recently handed a consorting warning by police, the 25-year-old is expected to front club officials this week before a final decision is made on any club action against him.

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Acting captain Beau Scott confirmed Norman had turned up to Tuesday morning’s weight training session but he knew nothing about his teammate’s potential fate.

Nevertheless, back-rower Kenny Edwards said the squad “100 per cent” wanted him to play against Gold Coast on Saturday.

Norman has been in great form this season.

“He’s our chief playmaker,” Edwards said. “He’s been our go-to man since he’s been here.

“Of course we want him out on the field, but if he’s not we’ll deal with it and move on.” Either way, there was little concern for Norman’s wellbeing. “To be honest he’s a bit of a space cadet so he doesn’t take too much notice of what happens outside of here,” Edwards said.

“He doesn’t take too much on board, he’s a bit of an airhead if I can say that.

“If he can play he’ll be cheering, if not I’m sure Gutho (Clint Gutherson) will play there again and do a job.” Norman’s likely suspension is just one element of the Eels’ mushrooming off-field issues that have dogged a disastrous season already plagued by their heavy salary cap sanctions.

Norman was stood down last week.

The club’s directors could be sacked after the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority board meets to consider the fate of the Parramatta Leagues Club board.

Eels directors are believed to be concerned over the possibility the club may be privatised if it is put into administration. On the field, the Eels’ chances of a finals berth are all but dead following the 22-18 loss to Penrith last weekend, due to their loss of 12 competition points for cap cheating.

But the players refuse to give up hope they can win their last seven games and other results will fall their way.

“Losing on the weekend was not the best for our chances for the finals but we’ll move forward,” Edwards said.

“We’re not throwing in the white flag.”