Norman focused on leading Dragons back to finals as exit looms

The five-eighth was told earlier this month that he will not be re-signed once his contract expires at the end of the year.

Norman's future remains uncertain, with interest in the 30-year-old limited.

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While a move to the English Super League is an option, the former Queensland representative's preference is to extend his NRL career. Even if that means a significant reduction on a contract currently worth $800,000 a year.

"I'd prefer to stay in Australia," Norman said. "I know my big paydays have been and gone now.

"It ain't even about the money anymore. I'm not really worried about it, I'm not too fussed, I just need to play good football and the rest will sort itself out.

"I don't want to be going into next year without a job, that's a bit of motivation. I've been in this situation before, I'm old enough and experienced enough to know what I need to do."

Norman's looming exit comes as coach Anthony Griffin continues to overhaul the St George Illawarra roster. Matt Dufty and Cameron McInnes are also on the way out, with Jordan Pereira unlikely to return in 2022.

Francis Molo will arrive in Wollongong next year, joining a pack bolstered by the recent return of Jack de Belin.

While disappointed, Norman has been accepting of the decision to set him free, the experienced half understanding the Dragons desire to focus on the next generation of superstars coming through.

It's a crop that includes Steelers SG Ball premiers Tyrell Sloan, Talatau Amone and Jayden Sullivan.

The youngsters have been dubbed the future of the club, with many predicting long-term success once they develop into NRL players.

Also likely to fight for a starting halves position is Adam Clune, the Albion Park Oat Flats junior determined to nail down a full-time position in the 17.

"I'd love to be (at the club long-term)," Clune said. "I'm still contracted here next year, I live locally and I've been at the club for a long time now.

"This is where I want to be, where I want to play first grade and have some success. I've got to be playing good footy to be getting on the field.

"I'm not looking too far into the future at the moment, I'm just focusing on getting better each week and trying to get into that first-grade team."

While many players are playing for their futures at the Dragons, Norman is playing for his future in the game over the next 10 weeks.

Desperate to extend his career, the Queenslander is focused on leading St George Illawarra back to the finals.

That starts on Friday night against the Warriors at Central Coast Stadium, the Dragons currently sitting seventh on a congested ladder and looking to remain inside the eight.

"If I'm playing good football and the team's going well and we make finals, I believe football always sorts that stuff out," Norman said.

"We'll see what happens in the next couple of weeks. I'll contact my manager and see what happens going forward from there.

"I'm more worried about my performances and how this team's going in the back-half of this year."