Dyldam Parramatta Eels five-eighth Corey Norman is excited and ready for the Blue and Gold’s Round 1 clash against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles on Friday night (6 March 2015) with the half expecting a big clash.
“Everyone’s raring to go,” Norman said of the Eels’ 2015 season opener.
“We’ve had a long pre-season and everyone can’t wait to get going on Friday night.”
The rivalry with Manly has been a strong one that dates back decades and the clash is sure to be just as fiery on Friday night, especially after the Eels 22-12 comeback victory in Round 24 last year.
Norman will be hoping that the Eels have a similar result on the scoreboard this week.
“You know, it’s pretty big,” Corey said of the rivalry.
“It’s been going on for years now. I can’t wait to get out there Friday and feel it again.”
Click here to view Eels centre Ryan Morgan who also expects a fiery clash this Friday
The rivalry to kick off both team’s seasons is extra heated this year as ex-Manly forward Anthony Watmough is set to face his former teammates after joining the Blue and Gold at the end of the 2014.
“It’s going to be a fiery game and like I said, everyone’s just ready to go and we can’t wait to get out there,” Norman said.
Although Eels halfback Chris Sandow has had an interrupted pre-season, nursing an ankle injury that he sustained at the Auckland Nines, Norman is excited to see his halves partner perform in Round 1.
“He’s going well, he’s looking fit,” Norman said of Sandow.
“He’s ready to go and he’s that excited, so I can’t wait to see what he does on Friday,” he added.
Recently returning from injury, scoring a try in the Eels recent trial victory over the Panther, Norman is excited to see Hopoate fill the number one jersey in 2015.
“He’s been going really well. He’s played there in the 20s and so he’s handling himself really well,” Norman said of Hopoate.
“That last trial we had, he played well as well.”
“He’s just got to do his role and he’s going to do what Hopoate does and that’s it.”
Tickets to the match are on sale and we encourage all Blue and Gold Members and fans to purchase them early so you don’t miss out on the Eels season opener.
Tickets are also offered at a discounted rate when you pre-purchase! Buy your tickets now via Ticketmaster.
