Cordner vows he’s fine to play after stepping up his training
A CONFIDENT Boyd Cordner asked the NSW staff for extra work at training yesterday in a bid to prove he’s overcome a calf problem.
In the end, the NSW skipper received more than he had hoped for but not the entire session held under warm sunshine at Coogee Oval.
“I wanted to do more today but I’ve just got to trust the medical staff,’’ Cordner said.
“It’s (calf) going well. Everything is going to plan, so I’m very happy with it; it’s been feeling fine all week.’’
The coaching staff also believe Cordner will be fit as they allowed covering forward Ryan James to return to the Gold Coast in preparation for the Titans clash with Brisbane tomorrow.
Cordner arrived in NSW camp on Monday with a calf injury he suffered 15 minutes into the Blues’ series-winning Origin II performance at ANZ Stadium.
Yesterday was his first official training run of the Origin III preparation.
“I’ve been itching to get out there and train with the boys,’’ Cordner said.
“I have to listen to the medical staff, they’ve got a plan in place for me and everything is going well.
“I’m ticking every box and the calf is feeling sweet.’’
During yesterday’s 90-minute session, Cordner participated in heavy tackling drills, which the Blues medicos originally wanted him to avoid.
“I’ll be fine,’’ he said.