Sydney Roosters back-rower Boyd Cordner hasn’t given up hope of playing his way into the NSW side for the third State of Origin match at Suncorp Stadium on July 9.
An ankle injury meant Cordner was unavailable for the Blues’ first two Origin victories, which delivered the Origin shield south for the first time since 2005. But with incumbent forward Anthony Watmough suspended for game three and Trent Merrin in doubt with injury, Cordner could force his way into the NSW 17 with a big performance against Manly tomorrow night.
While he would love to pull on the Blues jersey again, Cordner said he must first perform for the reigning NRL premiers. “My focus is on the Roosters and playing well for them and getting the win on Friday night, so whatever comes out of that, whatever is meant to be is meant to be,” he said. “I just have this game and a week in training. It (Origin) is a different level all together. Obviously, having a little bit of experience last year helps.”
But the Sea Eagles will be doing their best to keep Cordner quiet when they host the Roosters at Brookvale Oval. The 2013 grand final combatants have already met once this season, Manly prevailing 8-0 in a dour affair in Round 4. The clubs traditionally stage close contests, and Sea Eagles flyer Peta Hiku isn’t expecting anything different tomorrow.
He said Manly still had to balance the ledger from last season. “Every game I played (against the Roosters) last year we lost, so hopefully this year we return the favour,” Hiku said.
