Really, Orange Emus flanker Jayden Norris should have been watching Saturday’s Blowes Clothing Cup grand final from the hill not starring in it.
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The 23-year-old has been whacked by injury and just last year underwent a full wrist reconstruction, an operation he was told would put him out of action for anywhere up to three years.
“But (Emus coaches) Jez and Ringland said if I wanted to play first grade they’d make it happen. I’ve worked bloody hard for it and I’m so proud to be here. It’s the best feeling,” Norris said, celebrating his first grand final win.
Norris was one of Emus’ best in the 30-18 triumph over Bathurst, his work alongside the likes of fellow back-rowers Scott McLean and Jack Marchinton a feature of the club’s 2018 triumph.
So much so, Norris claimed man of the match honours.
“It was a personal goal for me this year to make first grade ... and to get man of the match, far out, unbelievable,” he said.
“I thought our line speed and defence was great today.
“We were ready. We knew they we coming. We just showed some patience at key times.”
And as for playing in this year’s decider, rather than watching it?
“This is unbelievable,” the premiership winning Emus back-rower grinned.