Brad Fittler has a very controversial take on Corey Norman’s huge ban for poking rival’s bum

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Brad Fittler makes a VERY controversial call on ex-NRL bad boy Corey Norman’s huge ban for finger-poking an opponent’s backside as Channel Nine star calls disgusting act ‘sexual assault’

  • Norman was banned for eight weeks for attacking the backside of Oliver Holmes 
  • Fittler questioned the severity of the suspension on Wednesday night 
  • Said he’d rather have his bum poked on the field than suffer a broken jaw

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NSW State of Origin coach Brad Fittler has downplayed the disgusting bum-poking act that got former NRL star Corey Norman suspended for eight weeks and revealed he’d rather fall victim to the disgraceful offence than cop a serious injury on the field.

Fittler questioned the severity of the Toulouse star’s ban for attacking the backside of Warrington’s Oliver Holmes in last Thursday’s British Super League game and said there are worse things that can happen to a player.

‘I’d rather that than a broken jaw,’ he told Channel Nine’s Freddy and the Eighth show on Wednesday night. 

‘Like, eight weeks? Is that a long time?’ 

Fittler questioned whether Norman's ban was too harsh and said there are worse things that can happen to a player on a footy field

Fittler questioned whether Norman’s ban was too harsh and said there are worse things that can happen to a player on a footy field

The disgusting moment Norman (white shirt, dark hair) attempts to stick his finger into the backside of Warrington's Oliver Holmes (blue uniform)

The disgusting moment Norman (white shirt, dark hair) attempts to stick his finger into the backside of Warrington's Oliver Holmes (blue uniform)

The disgusting moment Norman (white shirt, dark hair) attempts to stick his finger into the backside of Warrington’s Oliver Holmes (blue uniform)

Fittler’s stance got him offside with his co-hosts, footy legend Andrew Johns and commentator Mat Thompson.

They were both stunned by Norman’s low act, which brought back memories of John Hopoate sticking his finger into the backsides of three North Queensland players in 2001.

‘Without trying to be one of those wowsers, it’s sexual assault. If you did it on the street you’d end up in jail,’ Thompson said.

Nine footy commentator Mat Thompson said Norman's offence was 'sexual assault' that would land a person in jail if they did it in the street

Nine footy commentator Mat Thompson said Norman's offence was 'sexual assault' that would land a person in jail if they did it in the street

Nine footy commentator Mat Thompson said Norman’s offence was ‘sexual assault’ that would land a person in jail if they did it in the street

Johns questioned Norman’s mental state when he committed the offence.

‘Mate, where’s your head at?’ the Newcastle great asked.

‘If you’re thinking about doing that do you reckon you care about what you’re doing on the field?’

Norman’s two-month ban means he won’t play for Toulouse again this year as the club battles to avoid relegation, and could spell the end of his footy career after he came out of retirement to take up his contract with the French side.

The eight-week ban for Norman (pictured left during the game against Warrington with his victim Holmes, right) means he won't play again this season - and his career could be over

The eight-week ban for Norman (pictured left during the game against Warrington with his victim Holmes, right) means he won't play again this season - and his career could be over

The eight-week ban for Norman (pictured left during the game against Warrington with his victim Holmes, right) means he won’t play again this season – and his career could be over

The former Brisbane, Parramatta and St George Illawarra star pleaded not guilty at his disciplinary hearing after being charged with a Grade F offence of ‘Other Contrary Behaviour’, which is reserved for the most serious offences. 

The ruling, published by the Rugby Football League, read: ‘The footage of the incident shows a deliberate movement of Corey Norman’s left arm and hand over the top of Oliver Holmes and on to his buttocks.’

Norman developed a reputation as a talented but erratic player during his 234-game stint in the NRL.

The 31-year-old was banned for half of the 2016 season and fined $20,000 after being convicted on a drugs possession charge, becoming embroiled in a sex tape scandal and being warned by police for consorting with known criminals.