Without this player, THAT try would have never happened
Kristy Harris
Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues Coach Brad Fittler has revealed the unsung hero in the famous James Tedesco try in the final minute of 2019 State of Origin Decider.
“Not many people know who played the ball.” Fittler said in The Selection.
“With 40 seconds to go it was the captain, Boyd Cordner, who hit the ball up, got a good play-the-ball and everything came from that.
Cordner was out on his feet having played 72 of the 79 minutes in an incredibly intense game.
But as a strong leader does, he mustered up the energy to take the final tough carry of the series, and in turn, the final play the ball.
The ball was immediately shifted out wide as the Queensland defence had just finished dealing with Cordner, and the ensuing play will be forever etched into Rugby League history books.
His competitiveness, attitude and desire to never give up in any scenario is what guarantees him that sky blue jersey year after year.
“He’s first picked and while he’s first picked he will always be captain in my team.”
Fittler has known Cordner since he was 15 years old, and even gave him his first trial match debut at the Roosters when the young forward was only 16.
“From that moment he just had these leadership qualities that just stood out at that age.”
Fittler also highlighted Cordner’s act of leadership when the skipper bounced back for the Roosters despite having a knee injury after NSW lost Game I.
Cordner was sidelined by his club when they versed the Panthers in Round 13 but their 19-10 loss motivated the Sydney captain to get back onto the field for his tri-colours the following week.
“He said ‘No, I am playing,’" recounted Fittler.
"[He] went and played against Canterbury, had a blinder, they won that game then he came into Game II.
“When I went for my job the thing I said was ‘I need my players to put their club first. They need to be great club players to play Origin.’
"Boyd Cordner shows that every time he plays.”