The Gold Coast Titans have decided against offering a big-money contract to Eels playmaker Corey Norman.
The 27-year old's management had discussions with Titans coach Gareth Brennan about the possibility of bringing the troubled halfback to the Gold Coast, but the club has decided against it after considering his history of off-field issues.
In 2015, Norman was involved in the club's cocaine scandal, and the following year was caught up in a sex tape controversy. Just two weeks ago, he was fined $20,000 for breaching a policy of drinking alcohol while injured.
The Titans were also reluctant to take on Norman's reported $900,000-a-season contract to their already tied up 2019 payroll.
“Based on our current roster commitments and our recent acquisitions of players like Tyrone Peachey and Shannon Boyd, our cap and budget projections over the next few years don’t provide the capacity for a player like Corey to be part of our plans,” Titans boss Graham Annesley told the Courier Mail.
Brennan admitted to Norman's talents but said he was unlikely to be on the Titans' radar.
“Corey is a talented footballer, there’s no doubt about it, and if a guy of his ability becomes available, I would certainly want to discuss him with our committee,” he said.
“But this is a call I can’t make on my own as Corey has a chequered history with his off-field behaviour.
“In terms of talent, he could add something to our team, but there are other considerations.
“At the moment, he has a contract with Parramatta so we can’t have formal talks anyway and we have some salary cap restrictions.”