Corey Norman's manager remains hopeful of finalising a deal with Parramatta but says contract negotiations will be put on hold following his client's drugs drama.
Norman returned to training for the first time since he was ordered to front court after he was allegedly busted with ecstasy capsules and muscle relaxants at The Star casino on Friday night. The Eels pivot, one of the highest-profile players on the open market, was close to finalising a contract extension that would have made him the second highest-paid player at the club after halves partner Kieran Foran.
The Eels are now reviewing whether they should reduce their offer – or even pull it from the table altogether – after Norman was charged for drug offences and formally warned by police for associating with underworld figures.
Teammate Junior Paulo, who was also warned about consorting with criminals, has signed a lucrative deal to join Canberra next season. However, the Raiders are hopeful he will be granted an immediate release. It's understood the Eels may consider letting Paulo go early, but they would expect compensation in the form of cash or a swap for another player.
Norman's future is in limbo, with Parramatta and potential suitors likely to hold off until the outcome of his court hearing. His agent, Paul Sutton, was hopeful a deal could still be struck to ensure he remains in blue and gold. "I'm confident we can work something out," Sutton said. "We'll let the dust settle. For both parties, now is not the right time to hold negotiations."
Norman appeared in good spirits during a training run at Old Saleyards Reserve on Thursday despite the latest incident. "As a playing group and as club captain as well, our position is to support Normy, not throw stones at him," said teammate Tim Mannah.
"He's our mate, he's our friend, he's got a process to go through now, he's got some legal action, so our job is to support him and let him know he has people who care about him."
The public have been sympathetic to the Eels players during the salary cap scandal, a mess not of their making. But that sentiment may be turning after the latest episodes. Asked if he was frustrated after more adverse headlines, Mannah said: "Not towards Normy. At the moment it's more about making sure he's OK. I think a lot of people are quick to throw stones, but for us it's about making sure he's OK and he's got our support. He was alright [when he arrived]. He doesn't show too much too often, but I definitely think he's a bit rattled.
"It's our job to support him and not throw him under a bus. It would be nice if we had that attitude for once where we give a guy the benefit of the doubt, innocent until proven guilty.
"Our whole playing group is really resilient. Hopefully he can sort out what we need to do, and when he comes on the footy field he's ready to go."
Norman's teammates were hoping the drugs charges wouldn't affect his chances of re-signing with the club.
"I don't know how far along he is with negotiations or the club's stance on that, but as a person and a player I hope he stays," said fullback Michael Gordon. "He's a fantastic player and I think he's great for the club."
Mannah added: "It depends on how it all goes, but I think he's an important part of this team and this club, so as a mate I'd love to see him here. That's not my call."
