Dream Team Builder: Corey Norman

2012 positions: Half, fullback/winger
2012 price: $171,800
Bye (in head-to-head Dream Team rounds): None

Why he should be in your squad
Chances are, Norman will be the man replacing Darrin Lockyer in the No.6 jersey for the Broncos this year.

He seems to have the edge over teammates Ben Hunt and Luke Capewell at this stage, although trial form may play a big part in determining who plays alongside Peter Wallace in the halves for Brisbane at the start of the season. Fellow youngster Josh Hoffman is also in the running, but should instead hold onto the fullback role.

Toyota NRL Dream Team coaches got a glimpse of what Norman could do while Lockyer was away on Origin duty last year, with Norman passing the 50-point mark (under the old scoring system) in rounds 14 and 17.

With more points up for grabs for try assists, 40/20 kicks, tries and tackle busts, this season looms as a big one for the halves, and picking up a decent playmaker at a handy price could be vital to your Dream Team chances in 2012.

While former NSW halfback Peter Wallace will take over the bulk of Lockyer's playmaking duties, particularly for attacking kicks, Norman is known to have a strong long-kicking game and could get plenty of metres through clearing kicks – which of course means plenty of Dream Team points.

He's already impressed for the Broncos in their pre-season trials, and is also a dual position player also capable of filling a role in the back three, which doesn't hurt.

The downside?
Norman by no means has a starting spot locked up for Brisbane, with fellow young-guns Hunt and Capewell also genuine chances of getting the spot. Impressive young back-rower Matt Gillett also filled in for Lockyer at times last season and could be another safe option for Ivan Henjak in the position.

Norman's nine games last season mean he doesn't come in at the rookie price, meaning you have a little more to lose if he doesn't pay off. And as the vastly more experienced of the two halves, it is easy to see Wallace becoming the dominant halves partner for the majority of the season.

Risk rating: Norman looks like an astute buy – so long as he plays. There is no guarantee he'll be a seriously big scorer, so his selection is more as short-term money-maker than long-term stayer. Those kinds of players are still key to Dream Team success, but keep an eye on his trial form for Brisbane before locking him in (or better yet, wait until the Broncs name their team for round one). Whoever gets the full-time five-eighth gig at Brisbane will be good value.

Of course, even if Norman starts the season in the No.6, if he struggles for form early on he'll have Hunt and Capewell waiting in the wings as a potential replacement. Three out of five Matt Orfords.

Sign up for Toyota NRL Dream Team Assistant Coach and get the full player list, including positions, prices and the 2012 Team Picker. Register your interest here: dreamteam.nrl.com.

NRL Dream Team Builders are compiled with the help of NRL.com's Lone Scout.

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