Roosters teammate backs Cordner to rebound

Angus Crichton has backed his Sydney Roosters captain Boyd Cordner to bounce back from his repeated head knocks, no matter how long he is sidelined.

Cordner’s future remains in the balance after leaving NSW State of Origin camp last week following his fourth head knock this year.

The NSW Rugby League were to submit a report on Monday into his off-field HIA which he passed in Origin I, adamant they welcomed any questions.

It came amid a Sydney Morning Herald report that Cordner could be asked to sit out anywhere between six to 12 months to clear his mind and ensure his health is right.

But regardless, Crichton hailed his Roosters and NSW teammate’s resilience and threw his support behind him even if he had a prolonged period out of the game.

“I’ve got no doubt that Boyd can bounce back from this,” Crichton said.

“He’s a resilient player, he’s a smart player.

“He’s got a really good head on his shoulders and he’s a smart guy so he’ll make the right decision for himself.

“He’s one of the toughest players in our game without a doubt.

“I’ll back him to come back from it soon.”

Crichton spent time in injury rehab with Cordner earlier this year as he recovered from his first and second head knocks, and said he’d been in good spirits throughout.

He will be the man to fill Cordner’s boots in the Blues must-win Origin match on Wednesday night, insisting he must be his own man in the No.11 jersey.

But when it comes to Cordner, his thoughts remain with the 28-year-old’s health.

The pair have spoken since the Australian Test captain’s return to Sydney, where he will be off for at least the rest of the year.

“He’s doing really well. He’s back home with his partner,” Crichton said.

“He’ll lay low in Sydney for a bit, get away from footy.

“It’s been an intense year for all of us I think with the bubble and what not, we haven’t been able to escape it all year.

“It might be a bit of a relief for him to get out of footy for a bit.”

Meanwhile Cordner’s absence has been felt throughout the NSW camp.

James Tedesco has stepped up to fill the captaincy for the rest of the series, while Nathan Cleary is now his deputy.

“I think everyone is pretty shattered for Boyd,” Cleary said.

“He is one of the most respected people I have ever met and played with. He does leave a void there.

“In saying that I think Teddy has really found his voice.

“It’s an opportunity for a few other people to find themselves, including myself, and be a leader.”

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