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'Send him home': Roosters boss confirms news about Boyd Cordner

australian associated press
·3-min read
NSW Blues captain Boyd Cordner is seen being helped from the field by a trainer in the first State of Origin match.
NSW Blues captain Boyd Cordner has ruled himself out of the remainder of the State of Origin series, after sustaining another head knock in Wednesday's series opener. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

NSW captain Boyd Cordner has ruled himself out of the remainder of the State of Origin series after copping another head knock in the series opener in Adelaide.

The 28-year-old will leave Origin camp on Friday and will miss the final two matches of the series.

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In a statement released with the NSWRL, Cordner said his withdrawal is precautionary and he feels well despite growing concerns about his history with concussion.

"As hard as it was, it is the right call based on the fact that I have had a few knocks this year," Cordner said.

"I feel really good after Wednesday's game; I've pulled up fine. I have no concerns about the knock in Game One. I passed the HIA test and was happy to return to the field.

"The decision is more precautionary than anything. It has been a big year and now I can just rest up and relax with a good break coming up."

The skipper has suffered a series of troubling concussions this season and underwent a HIA for a head knock in the loss to Queensland at Adelaide Oval.

The decision to allow him to return to the field after passing HIA protocols is currently under investigation by the NRL.

Teams for Origin II in Sydney are set to be named at 4pm on Friday when it's expected the Blues will confirm Cordner's replacement as captain.

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Fullback James Tedesco was named vice-captain for last year's series and could be an option to lead the team for the clash at ANZ Stadium in five days.

It's expected Angus Crichton will move into the second row to replace Cordner on the left edge, with Nathan Brown tipped to make his Origin debut from the bench.

James Tedesco is pictured fending off Daly Cherry-Evans during the first game of the 2020 State of Origin series.
James Tedesco is likely to take over as NSW captain after Boyd Cordner ruled himself out of the remaining two matches. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Changes have already been flagged after second-rower Cameron Murray suffered a hamstring injury that will rule him out for the series.

Jack Wighton is expected to be fit to play despite a leg injury, while the halves combination of Nathan Cleary and Luke Keary is also under consideration after calls to hand Cody Walker the No.6 jersey.

NSW legend Andrew Johns questioned Keary's defence and called for Walker to play five-eighth with Ryan Papenhuyzen added to the bench as a utility.