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Opinion
It has been widely reported that Boyd Cordner won’t be returning to the playing field until at least after Round 12 this year.
So, after allowing for the Roosters’ Round 13 bye, that might be Round 14 on 12 June.
Cordner was injured early in the first Origin game last November, so that will mean he will have had a lay off of over eight months by the time he makes it back onto the field.
Obviously the prolonged absence is in accordance with his medical advice and the club should be applauded for supporting his recovery.
Hopefully, the break will give him time to repair any damage done and reduce any long-term concussion effects.
We all know this wasn’t Cordner’s first concussion injury and that the effects of concussion on the brain are primarily cumulative, and therefore the more concussions you receive, the more the damage done – most of which is irreparable.
Cordner didn’t become captain of the Roosters, NSW and the Kangaroos for nothing. His style of play is to take the opposition on, take the hard carries, punish attacking players in defence, and play the 80 minutes. He doesn’t hold back and his style of play must put him at a high level of risk of picking up another head injury – and who knows what the effects of that will be on his health?
Boyd Cordner (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
He has done it all in the game. Ten years with the Roosters, over 180 first-grade games, three premierships, 16 Origins for NSW, 20 Tests for Australia, captain of his club, state and country.
An exemplary career both on and off the field – he’s achieved the lot and has nothing left to prove.
What he needs to do now, for his own sake, is give the game away and retire at the top while he still can. I’m sure there are plenty of opportunities for an off-field role for him, particularly with the Roosters.
The last thing any league fan wants to see is Boyd Cordner going down with another concussion later this season, risking permanent brain-damage.
I hope those close to him are thinking along these lines.
Come on Boyd, please give the game away.
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