The Super League judiciary has acted swiftly on the matter of former NRL star Corey Normanโs charge of โother contrary behaviourโ, banning the halfback for a massive eight weeks after he was judged to have placed his fingers intentionally near the rear end of Warrington player Oliver Holmes.
Though Norman pleaded not guilty to the Grade F charge, Justice Sarah Wright and the panel were โentirely satisfiedโ that Normanโs action was deliberate.
The ruling read: โThe footage of the incident shows a deliberate movement of Corey Normanโs left arm and hand over the top of Oliver Holmes and on to his buttocks.
โAt no point does the footage show grabbing of the shorts to push Holmes down, as described by Corey Norman.
โThe footage shows a deliberate placing of Corey Normanโs hands and fingers on the buttocks and, coupled with an immediate complaint from Holmes, the reaction of his teammate Danny Walker and the statement of Holmesโฆ we are entirely satisfied that this was an intentional placing of a hand between the buttocks of an opposing player and we find the charge proved.โ
Earlier, Normanโs Australian-based manager Paul Sutton had argued Normanโs innocent to the Daily Telegraph.
โI would be stunned if it wasnโt an accident,โ he said.
โCorey isnโt that type of player, he never has been. I think his hand just ended in an unfortunate position. Corey has an immaculate record when it comes to on-field behaviour. I donโt think heโs even been charged during his long career. Itโs just not his go.โ
The ruling will see Norman miss the rest of Toulouse Olympiqueโs campaign as they desperately fight to avoid relegation. With his six-month deal at the French club reportedly set to expire soon, the ban could not come at a worse time for the former Broncos, Eels and Dragons half.
