EurosportBut his resurrection at Melbourne will continue at least one more season after being re-signed for 2013.
The giant prop looked set for bush football after Cronulla deemed him surplus to requirements.
Then came the opportunity for the journeyman to join the Storm.
Now 28 and at his fourth NRL club, he has blossomed into a regular first-grader.
"My career was over before I came here," Norrie said on Friday.
"After I was at Cronulla, my career was at the crossroads. I had a few injuries - my form wasn't the best.
"But I knew if things worked out, I could offer something.
"If you're willing to work hard, the coaching staff will give you a go and continue to back you, as long as you keep working on your game."
Norrie is perhaps one of coach Craig Bellamy's greatest - and least noticed outside the club - success stories.
Inside the Storm, he is part of the club's leadership group and a firm favourite of the coach and teammates for his willingness to do the tough things that don't always get noticed, as well as his defensive prowess.
"Craig Bellamy's been outstanding for my development, and the players around you too - the best players in the world - they work hard on improving their game and it rubs off on everyone in the squad," Norrie said.
Melbourne have also locked away highly-rated Queensland halfback Ben Hampton on a two-year extension.
The Storm host Canberra on Saturday, still top of the table despite having lost two of their past three matches during the State of Origin period.
Wednesday's Origin field goal hero Cooper Cronk, captain Cameron Smith and Dane Nielsen are all expected to back up for the Storm after playing for Queensland.
A final decision on their fitness is expected just before kick-off against the struggling Raiders.
Canberra, backing up from a narrow win over the Dragons on Monday night, regain Queensland prop David Shillington.
He avoided suspension despite being put on report in the second half of Wednesday's Origin decider for a high hit on Brett Morris.
