Corey Norman loves his rugby league again and aims to bring more Magic to save Toulouse’s Super League status.
The controversial Australian stand-off came out of retirement in April, surprisingly flying across the world to fire the bottom club’s safety bid. And beating Wakefield in the crunch opening game of Magic Weekend on Saturday would put them within just two points of closest rivals Trinity. Ex-Queensland State of Origin rep’ Norman helped gain his first win in Toulouse colours when thrashing Hull KR 28-6 in France last Saturday.
That has raised hopes the promoted side could yet make a mockery of their relegation favourites tag. Norman, 31, admitted: “We’ve been thereabouts for a while now (nearly getting a win) but that was one of the complete games we’ve put together. It was pleasing. A few people were writing us off (beating relegation) but we’ve a good chance to back that up this weekend and kick on for the rest of the year.
“For me, it’s been fun. It’s just refreshing being over here. It’s more rewarding than anything, seeing so many of these players who have come up from Championship and wanted to play Super League for a very long time fulfil their dreams. They’re a great bunch. And I’ve come here to try to keep them up.”
Dogged by various off-field incidents, Norman wasn’t offered a new deal by St George-Illawarra at the end of last season. But it was still a shock when the gifted ex-Brisbane and Parramatta ace packed in altogether saying he'd no desire to play professional rugby league anymore. Norman’s guile and brilliant kicking has lifted Sylvain Houles’ side who came close to beating Huddersfield on his debut before falling 17-16.
He has signed until the end of this term but hasn’t ruled out staying on in 2023. Norman said: “I’m not sure yet. I’ll get a better indication closer to the season (end) and if we stay up or not. But I came over here to try and keep Toulouse up. That’s what I want.
“And I'm enjoying myself and really enjoying playing with this bunch of boys. Super League’s not as structured as the NRL. It’s very ad-lib, rucks are a little quicker. It’s refreshing. I'm playing players every week I've not played against which is a good challenge. And I love it here in Toulouse. It’s a great city. We’ll see what happens at the end.”
But first comes Wakefield at the home of Newcastle United. Norman said: “I'm not massive about football but if it’s on telly I’ll watch. And all the boys have raved on about Magic and how good it is at Newcastle - the pitch, the crowd - so I can’t wait. We beat Wakefield earlier in the season but if we think we’re just going to turn up and do that again we’ll be in for a rude shock.”
The first game of Magic Weekend is normally the least attractive. But with the high stakes, Wakefield v Toulouse is suddenly now arguably the most intriguing of all.
