'What a ball': NRL fans go nuts over Dragons magic
Rugby League fans have been left in a spin over Dragons recruit Corey Norman’s early contender for ‘pass of the season’ against the Rabbitohs.
The former Parramatta Eels playmaker’s move to St George Illawarra, and how he would gel with Ben Hunt and Gareth Widdop, has been the subject of much debate.
However, Norman brushed aside any such concerns with a moment of magic on Thursday night during the match against the Bunnies at Jubilee Stadium.
Noticing the Rabbitohs’ defensive line had rushed up to shut down their attack, Norman quickly launched a massive cut-out pass to the left.
The sumptuous ball landed in the grateful arms of Jordan Pereira to score his second try of an impressive first half.
The no-look ball floated the best part of 30 metres, cutting out several Rabbitohs defenders before finding the winger.
Pereira still had plenty of work to do, however, putting on a big fend before bulldozing his way across the try line.
However, it was the pass from Norman that fans were salivating over on social media.
Stunning pass from Norman. 👌
Jordan Pereira crosses over for a double! #TelstraPremiership #NRLDragonsSouths pic.twitter.com/n89IK8xzUQ
— NRL (@NRL) March 21, 2019
Norman!! What a ball!
— Kieran Randall (@KieranRandall1) March 21, 2019
So how about that Hunt, Norman & Widdop combination now?? Hey “experts” ? Not looking too shabby to me right now 🤷🏻♀️
— Victoria (@yeahvictoriaaa_) March 21, 2019
What a ball Corey Norman
— Big Papa Nuggz (@NUGGZ26) March 21, 2019
“Corey Norman shows why he’s a big off-season recruit with that pass AND HE DIDN’T EVEN LOOK” – MG
Pereira goes over for the second time tonight to give the @NRL_Dragons the lead.
10-6 Dragons #NRLDragonsSouths #TripleMNRL pic.twitter.com/rxWNd8CTNr
— Triple M NRL (@TripleM_NRL) March 21, 2019
Hope Corey Norman knows he actually has ownership of my whole entire heart
— Victoria (@yeahvictoriaaa_) March 21, 2019
Norman-Signing of the season
— MaTtY (@MattyMcP25) March 21, 2019
Beaut long pass Norman to Pereira try 10-6 #NRLDragonsRabbitohs
— Mr Ed🐴🇦🇺😀 (@SaintEd61) March 21, 2019
Jordan Pereira says “get off me!”
What a ball from Corey Norman 😍#RedV #NRLDragonsSouths pic.twitter.com/tx5Ix93BYa
— League Live (@RLeagueLive) March 21, 2019
The Rabbitohs actually drew first blood after Cameron Murray burst through a gaping hole before bamboozling Widdop with a clever dummy for a fifth minute try.
However, Pereira hit back for the Dragons minutes later, before his superb second gave them a 12-6 lead at the break.
The Rabbitohs used a dominant second-half to fight back from the six-point halftime deficit, eventually running out 34-18 winners.
It was Sam Burgess who was the catalyst, scoring a try and setting up another in a game-turning four-minute period early in the second period.
The England international completed a powerful performance with a second four-pointer in a six-try rout at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
With AAP