Stuart keeps faith in fallen Norman Earlier in the season, when Ricky Stuart eyed off this fixture at Suncorp Stadium, a small part of him would have been elated for his Parramatta Eels to be carved up by a sensational Broncos fullback. Ideally, that player would have been Corey Norman, the Brisbane product signed to be one of the Eels' key playmakers for the next four seasons. Instead, it was Josh Hoffman. Norman, dropped from the NRL squad in a major shake-up at Red Hill a month ago, will play for Wynnum Manly this weekend in the Intrust Super Cup. Norman's steady form demise in 2013, followed by a swift demotion, has been one of the stories of Brisbane's season. That their fortunes have turned around with the more direct and defensively astute Hoffman at the back hasn't been a coincidence. But Stuart has lost no faith in Norman and still believes the 22-year-old can become a foundation stone in a Parramatta revival over coming seasons. Jarryd Hayne was typically impressive for the Eels at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night, proving a constant menace for the Broncos until he left the field with a knee injury midway through the second half. But Stuart left no doubt that Hayne wouldn't be wearing the Eels number six in 2013 when asked if the Blues strike weapon had found his natural position. "No, that will be Corey Norman," Stuart replied. Stuart has kept close tabs on Norman and remained in touch over the season as the youngster endures a difficult end to his stint at the Broncos. Despite Norman's current predicament, the Eels coach said he had no reason to think Norman wouldn't be a strong contributor in the top grade at Parramatta. I have been in contact with him. It's disappointing for him at the moment that he's not playing first grade but that will all change next year," Stuart said. I've got no reason to lose faith in Corey. I think he's a wonderful talent and he's got a long career ahead of him. Stuart said he respected Anthony Griffin's decision to leave Norman out of his top squad and Norman had also shown a high degree of professionalism during a trying time. I respect the professionalism and he's got to finish his duties with the club here. That's important," Stuart said. They've got their reasons for him not playing first grade and I appreciate and respect that. Norman's battles for form have been arduous enough but have only been compounded by Hoffman's quality at fullback since he stepped in as a replacement. The Kiwi international was sensational for the Broncos on Friday night, scoring a brilliant solo try and saving a few more to give his organisation plenty of food for thought when they eventually, inevitably sign Ben Barba. Griffin went to great pains after the game to remind everyone that Hoffman has been a quality performer in a number of positions in the backline. But Hoffman has made it clear through his barnstorming play that his shirt is not to be handed over lightly.