Norman on cusp of Origin shot: Jennings

Mar 8, 2017 - 2:49 AM Not that Queensland need any more help in State of Origin but this season is the one Corey Norman gets a real shot at his Maroons debut.

That's the opinion of NSW star Michael Jennings, who is full of praise for the round-one NRL performance of his Parramatta teammate, his first outing since an eight-game suspension last year.

"He's come back firing," Jennings said after Eels training on Wednesday.

"He played really well on the weekend. Look, I think the main thing is that he's taken on that leadership role. He's fixed up all his off-field issues and looking good."

Norman flirted with Dally M-winning form in a hot start for the Eels last year before his season imploded as a result of a series of off-field incidents.

His failure to finish what was a hellish year for the Eels came down to a two-month ban for a drug possession conviction after a police warning for consorting with criminals and his role in the release of a sex tape.

However Jennings says Norman has turned a corner and is set for another breakout campaign where he comes into calculations as an Origin bolter.

Longer term, another big year might also see him talked about among the candidates to fill the shoes of veteran playmaker Johnathan Thurston, who has stated his intention to retire from representative footy at the end of 2017.

"It's pretty hard with the quality of players they have there," Jennings said.

"(But) I think this year he should get a mention in that Queensland side. If he keeps performing the way he's been performing, I have no doubt he should get a mention in that team."

Centre Brad Takairangi said the Eels halfback came back with a point to prove in round one, where he scored a try and set up another in a virtuoso outing against Manly.

"He was filthy last year not being able to help the boys and contribute as much as he wanted to. He started well on the weekend and hopefully he can keep doing it," Takairangi said.

"Obviously he missed being out there with the boys. I don't think he's missed that much footy over a long period of time. He's our leader out on the field, our main general."

Source: AAP