Boyd talks up Smith
ROOKIE NSW skipper Boyd Cordner is facing an immediate test of his leadership as he seeks to quell the influence of master game manager Cameron Smith tomorrow night.
Smith, who is preparing for a record 40th Origin – the 19th as Maroons captain – is renowned for his communication with officials.
All up, Queensland have won 12 of the 18 penalty counts when he has led the Maroons.
Smith has also never lost a penalty count as Maroons skipper at Suncorp Stadium.
“He’s pretty good, isn’t he?” Cordner said when asked about Smith’s influence with referees.
With just six Origin games worth of experience and one club game as on-field skipper under his belt, Cordner will have to find a way to get his point across to referees Matt Cecchin and Gerard Sutton.
Cordner, 24, is the Blues’ third youngest skipper behind Laurie Daley and Brad Fittler.