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Dragons young gun Cody Ramsey has been in Wollongong Hospital for the past fortnight with an illness that could cut short his rugby league career.
The 22-year-old is facing the possibility of surgery after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract.
After fighting his way to the converted fullback position at the Red V, Ramsey’s future is now up in the air. He is currently receiving a government-funded drug called Infliximab which costs $12,000 per injection and could remain in hospital for at least another two weeks.
His mother Kim explained that her son was admitted suffering from severe pain after participating in a long-distance run at training.
“Cody thought it was just a bug and ran his nine-and-a-half kilometres,” she told NewsCorp. “That’s where it all unravelled. His immune system was fighting something it couldn’t fix.
“The doctor originally said he might need surgery and it could end his footy career. I’ve never seen him so sick and in so much pain. Fortunately, he’s progressing now and we’re hopeful he’ll be OK to play again next season.
“He’s a tough cookie and he’ll hopefully be back in the new year. Footy’s important but as long as I’ve got a healthy boy … family is everything.”
Cody Ramsey. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
Kim had nothing but praise and thanks for Anthony Griffin, following a season of rumours surrounding an alleged fallout between the Dragons coach and the team.
“You know what, that man is one in a million,” said Kim. “He has rung me every single day. He has texted Cody every single day. I can’t thank him enough. When he rings he’s never in a rush. Honestly, he’s the nicest man.”
Born in Orange, he progressed through the St George junior representative ransk to make his NRL debut in 2020 and has scored 14 tries in 36 appearances in the outside backs.
Contracted to the Dragons until the end of 2024, he was considered the frontrunner to start next season at fullback for St George Illawarra after impressing in the role last season.
If he is unable to suit up for Round 1, it could mean a reprieve for fellow young gun Tyrell Sloan, who had been linked to a possibly early release in the off-season to join the Dolphins, or Griffin could switch centre Zac Lomax or former Origin star Jack Bird to the No.1 jersey.
© AAP
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