Cordner’s long road to the top finally over
BOYD Cordner fulfils his destiny today.
It was a path that dated back to the under-12s when he captained his first side. He has stayed on course, having long been earmarked as a future Kangaroos captain.
“I’ve never sat down and said ‘I’m going to be a leader’,” Cordner says from the foyer of an Auckland hotel. “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 and you have the same leadership skills when I was 21 – I’m now 26. People aren’t going to listen to you any more 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.
“The fallout from the 2017 Origin series really rocked me,” Cordner said. “It was the first time it all got to me. I was so wrapped up and I wanted to win so bad.
“Once that settled it motivated me more to be better.”