Cordner still racing the clock

NSW skipper Boyd Cordner has conceded he could miss next week’s State of Origin III due to his troublesome calf muscle.

Cordner had targeted yesterday’s session in Sydney, the side’s main training run of their 10-day preparation, as his chance to prove himself.

But aftger taking part in the warm-up, he spent most of the session talking to Blues coach Brad Fittler and his coaching staff behind the goalposts.

Cordner said medical staff were taking a cautious approach and he was now aiming to run with the side today.

“If it’s not right, I won’t play ... I don’t want to be selfish at all or put the team in jeopardy if something does happen,” he said.

“I’ll play if I’m 100 per cent confident.”

Fittler is said to be happy with Cordner’s recovery and will give him until the 11th hour to prove his fitness for Wednesday’s clash at Suncorp Stadium, where the Blues will attempt to complete a series clean sweep.

“I had a good session yesterday running on the alter-G (treadmill) and it’s made me even more confident,” Cordner said. “With it being a long week, it helps us, we don’t have to rush it if we don’t have to.

“I’ll be warming up tomorrow and doing most of the session, that’s the plan.”

Should Cordner not prove his fitness, Gold Coast skipper Ryan James will come into the side on the bench.