Captain Cordner was destined for the job
Leadership qualities of Kangaroos skipper go on show today in NZ
RUGBY LEAGUE: New Kangaroos skipper Boyd Cordner will fulfil his destiny today when Australia takes on New Zealand in the one-off Test in Auckland.
It is a path that dates back to the under-12s and his first captaincy appointment – and the 26-year-old has stayed on course, having long been earmarked as a national captain.
“I’ve never sat down and said, ‘I’m going to be a leader,’” Cordner said yesterday.
“It’s something you’re born with and in your character.
“From a young age I had those skills. I have made a conscious effort. You have the leadership and everyone can see it.
“They tout you as the next captain, but if you’re at a young age and you have good leadership qualities but you don’t develop ... people aren’t going to listen to you anymore because you’re still doing and saying the same stuff.
“You have to grow as a leader. It comes with experience and life lessons.”
Cordner was given the harsh reality of leadership during last year’s State of Origin series.
It was his first as skipper and the Blues’ capitulation in game three, followed by the fallout that led to the axing of coach Laurie Daley, left Cordner scarred for the first time in his career.
“It was the first time it all got to me. I was so wrapped up and I wanted to win so bad,” he said.
“Once that settled it motivated me more to be better.
“That’s what pressure does to me. It motivates me. I like it. I like it in my life. I want to be constantly tested and motivated. That’s what I do.
“(This series) I trusted my preparation and my team’s preparation. I was so focused on game two on how good it would be to win. It was win or nothing.”
Leadership is a position Cordner has not rushed.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson recalled when Cordner shied away from replacing Anthony Minichiello as skipper just three years ago.
“We had the four vicecaptains and I had discussion with each of them about what was next for them and whether they would move to the captaincy or not,” Robinson said.
“Boyd was 22. I remember having an honest conversation and he was saying, ‘I know I’m a future captain but I’m not ready yet. I need to develop myself more.’
“Most guys would have said they would do it ... that showed maturity at a young age and he was right.
“There are moments when he delivers forcefully. He never asks anything from the players that he won’t do.
“He doesn’t ask, he demands that all of them lift or all of them dig deep for that game or moment. Sometimes it feels like the players don’t have a choice when he asks that. It’s a special moment to see from a captain.”
Cordner joins Arthur Beetson, Dave Brown and Brad Fittler as Roosters players to captain Australia.
“I could sit here and I could say it means the world to me, which is a cliche,” Cordner said.
“It’s very true, but for me to put into words is kind of hard.
“I can still remember sitting on my couch watching the early 2000s when Danny Buderus was captain, hoping one day I would get that chance to play for NSW.
“It never crossed my mind to ever one day think about captaining Australia.”