Australia captain Boyd Cordner has his sights on a place in the record books if he can lead the Kangaroos to victory over New Zealand on Friday night.
Cordner is aiming to become the first New South Wales player to achieve rugby league’s ultimate trifecta. Already this season he has captained the Blues to back-to-back State of Origin titles, as well as winning the NRL premiership for the second year in a row with the Sydney Roosters.
However, should the Kangaroos defeat New Zealand at WIN Stadium on Friday night, he will be the first captain to add a Test victory against a tier-one nation to his astounding tally for a season.
Former Queensland captains Mal Meninga, Darren Lockyer and Cameron Smith have all achieved the feat, but Cordner stands to be the first New South Welshman in history to celebrate the trinity.
It would cap off a remarkable year for the 27-year-old, who was handed the Kangaroos captaincy by Meninga at the end of 2018.
“Boyd leads by example,” Meninga said of Cordner’s leadership success.
“He is a man of few words but when he talks everyone listens.
“He is a great player in his own right and knows when to lead at the right times. He is a special player and a special talent. He understands the importance of putting on the green and gold jersey.
“He’s the ideal captain for Australia.”
The Kangaroos scored a 24-10 win over the Kiwis in the World Cup Nines final last weekend, but were not so lucky against their trans-Tasman rivals at the end of 2018.
Cordner had a chance to achieve the feat last year, but the Kiwis sprang a 26-24 upset on the Kangaroos at Mt Smart Stadium – just their fourth win from the past 17 games involving these two nations.
“You learn from your past, you learn from your mistakes so we’ve looked at it,” Meninga said.
“We’re no less passionate than the Kiwis. We’re going to come with a lot of passion for the jersey on Friday night.”
The Kiwis are aiming for back-to-back wins against Australia for just the fifth time in history.
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
About time a cockroach caught up.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Same with Brisbane Broncos. Remember, the majority of the last 47 years (prior to the NRL) Souths have been the poor relation of the game while the Roosters, the Sea Eagles and the Broncos have stockpiled talent. To add insult to injury Manly and the chooks have consistently poached players from the Rabbitohs which is still the case even in 2019. If the Roosters weren't rorting the salary cap and were cap compliant I wouldn't have them in my sights. What I can't stand is the latitude the Roosters are given while the Sharks, the Tigers, the Bulldogs, the Sea Eagles and the Eels have been made scapegoats for the NRL to "prove" that the salary cap system works. All their breaches combined still wouldn't equal how far the Rorters have been over the salary cap in 2018, 2019 and 2013. If the chooks played by the same rules as every other club, without bending them like a pretzel, I would let it go. Until then I'm going to continue to beat the drum.
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
For the Queenslanders that obviously cannot read the inaccurate press release it clearly states ;Cordner is aiming to become the first New South Wales player to achieve rugby league’s ultimate trifecta.
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
You never let up do you ...but when there was no salary cap it was OK for Souths to win a heap on the trot ....but I guess that does not count does it ....??
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
the 1998 test tour to England by the Kangaroos was cancelled However we played NZ you are correct because we won the two games against them, then We played NZ in an ANZAC test and were beaten…. So Langer also won back to back premierships, 1997-98 the 98 Origin & 2 of 3 Test matches against NZ Although that 1997 premiership was a super league one and not counted.
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
Paul, agree, last thing Boyd will be worrying about ....his first priority will be playing well and winning the game .....
Paulie
Guest
As opposed to the rest of the Souths squad!!
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Bahahahahahaha :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: Cameron Murray is a REAL South Sydney junior who would rather retire from the game than sign with the Roosters. Keep dreaming. THAT will NEVER happen!
RudyZarzoff
Guest
Ya like a dog with a bone Papi. I look forward to the Souths meltdown when Cam Murray pulls on the tri colours .
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
For the Queenslanders, Langer also did it in 1998. Another inaccurate press release.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Cordner eyes off unique piece of history... TWELVE straight "paid for premierships"! :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Big Daddy
Guest
Straight from the NRL ( NSW) website.
Paul
Roar Guru
I doubt greatly this piece of media-driven trivia will weigh too heavily on Cordner's mind, nor will it make any difference to the performances of the other Kangaroos who get to play on Friday night.