Dragons’ pursuit of Corey Norman heats up as Knights snare Kurt Mann
St George Illawarra’s pursuit of out-of-favour Parramatta playmaker Corey Norman has hit a roadblock despite the immediate release of Kurt Mann to Newcastle.
St George Illawarra’s pursuit of out-of-favour Parramatta playmaker Corey Norman has hit a roadblock despite the immediate release of Kurt Mann to Newcastle.
The Knights have announced the signing of the 25-year-old utility on a three-year deal, with Mann promised a shot at cementing the starting hooker spot in 2019.
The Dragons maintained throughout negotiations they would not release Mann until the club found a suitable replacement but finally relented in a gesture of goodwill.
But while Mann stands a better chance of nailing down a starting spot at Newcastle, Norman’s future remains in limbo.
The issue relates to the fact Norman has a contract with the Eels worth about $940,000 for next year, but that is way over what the Dragons are prepared to pay.
Although the expectation is it is only a matter of time before a deal is done, one of the parties will need to budge considerably.
Both clubs believe they have the upper hand, so the game of poker continues.
Parramatta has pretty much made it known next season will be Norman’s last at the club even if he stays, with young guns Dylan Brown and Jaeman Salmon seen as the club’s long-term halves.
Mitchell Moses has also been outstanding with his attitude at pre-season so far as he fights for his future beyond 2019.
It is understood Norman has met with Dragons head of recruitment Ian Millward and spoken with coach Paul McGregor but at this point the Dragons are holding their nerve on price.
The Dragons have also stated publicly that they have no intention of moving young fullback Matt Dufty, although if Norman does make the switch the pressure on Dufty will go up a notch.
Norman would prove a handy acquisition given recent developments surrounding skipper Gareth Widdop’s uncertain future.
Widdop has indicated he wants to finish his career in the English Super League and 2019 is likely to be his final year in Australia.
Norman can play either five-eighth or fullback, while Widdop is equally adept in both positions and excelled at fullback while playing for England.
The only concern hanging over Norman relates to his off-field reputation which isn’t exactly squeaky clean.
That would represent some risk to any potential buyer, especially given Norman is on marquee money.
Mann’s arrival at Newcastle has again raised questions about Danny Levi’s future.
The former New Zealand Test hooker has butted heads with coach Nathan Brown for some time and with Slade Griffin injured Brown chased Mann, despite the fact Mann has never played regular dummy half.
Millward all but said in a statement that Mann was released because he had been promised a starting spot at the Knights.
“He was offered a long-term contract and more security in regards to his playing minutes and being a starting player,” Millward said.
You’d imagine that wouldn’t leave Levi feeling too loved, although he has received some interest from Wests Tigers.
In yet another twist to the player market musical chairs, it is understood Canterbury is keen to snare young Tigers hooker Jacob Liddle which could potentially open up an opportunity for Levi, though most likely for the 2020 NRL season.
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