The man dubbed "Noddy" did it all during his 307-game playing career, including winning a premiership, a Clive Churchill medal and representing NSW and Australia on numerous occasions. It's hoped his addition to the Eels brains trust on a casual basis will help them break a title drought that is now stretching into its 31st year. While Norman and Gutherson will start the season as the halves, Kimmorley will also work with the other playmakers on Parramatta's books. Veteran Jeff Robson will go around for one more season, Jamal Fogarty was recruited after a standout season in the Queensland Cup, while youngsters Troy Dargan and Michael Doolan may get their chance down the track. The departure of Kieran Foran has left the blue and golds without a recognised No.7 and they are likely to be aggressive in the player market. A host of marquee halves come off contract at the end of next season including Johnathan Thurston, Shaun Johnson, Mitchell Pearce, Luke Brooks, Mitchell Moses, Ben Hunt, Jack Bird, Josh Reynolds, Gareth Widdop and Tyrone Roberts. Norman – who returns from suspension following a series of indiscretions ranging from a sex tape to consorting with criminals – will have to take on more responsibility until a replacement for Foran can be found. Sterling is hopeful Norman will show more maturity on and off the field and fulfil his undoubted potential. "Only time will tell but Brad Arthur has shown great confidence in him," Sterling said.

"He sees something in him and he's a pretty good judge of character and certainly a good judge of a player and he is glowing in the way he speaks about Corey. That's good enough for me to a certain degree. The ball is now in Corey's court. "We've seen what he can do, we know there's an abundance of talent there, he just needs to get all of the other stuff right. "Hopefully with a bit more maturity and the kick up the backside he's received, he will start to fulfil that potential because there's plenty there." Sterling, who recently accepted a role as an advisor to Blues coach Laurie Daley, believes Norman and backline utility Gutherson can do a serviceable job as a halves combination. "Clint Gutherson surprised all of us, he was outstanding in the back half of last season," Sterling said.

"Corey Norman would be the main playmaker there. I know the club has put money aside for the right halfback. We don't want to [jump early] and get the wrong person. The fact that Kieran didn't prove to be the right man there through whatever circumstances was disappointing, but we're biding our time to some degree to get the right quality, class halfback to put there. "Until then, who's not to say that Norman and Gutherson won't be outstanding successes while they are there. That's how they will start the competition and hopefully they will be a viable option every week, but in the back of our minds we are on the lookout for a player to come into that position at the right time, when the right person presents."