NRL clear Norman of phone probe

Parramatta five-eighth Corey Norman won’t face sanction from the NRL for using a mobile phone during the Eels’ season-opening loss to Brisbane because it’s not against the rules.

Norman’s night ended early when he suffered a neck injury late in the first half of the 17-4 defeat at Pirtek Stadium, playing no further part in the game.

However he was captured on camera in the dressing rooms appearing to use a phone, with commentators speculating he was informing his family on his health after the ugly tackle which resulted in his injury.

But the NRL confirmed neither Norman nor the club has a case to answer.

Broncos centre James Roberts has also been cleared for referencing drugs in a post-game interview, when he said: “I’ve got more speed than Oxford St.”

In some good news for the Eels, Norman and star signing Kieran Foran are both expected to play next week against premiers North Queensland.

Manly recruit Foran was a last-minute withdrawal from Thursday night’s game due to a hamstring injury, while Norman was sent to hospital for precautionary scans after face-planting on a Josh McGuire tackle.

But coach Brad Arthur was confident his five-eighth would be available for the Cowboys.

“The doc said it’s just a precaution and if the scans come back like they think they will he should be right for next week. That’s what he told me anyway,” Arthur said.

Foran, whose pre-season has been hampered by the recurring hamstring issue, will train on Saturday and is also likely to be available to make his club debut next week.

“We watched him run (Thursday), he’ll run on Saturday… the guys are telling me he’ll be right to go,” he said.

The Eels have a 12-day turnaround before hosting the defending premiers.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!