Boyd Cordner ready to speak up in Origin

Feeling surprisingly calm, rookie NSW captain Boyd Cordner has promised he will speak up to the referees when needed in the heat of Wednesday night’s State of Origin series opener.

After just six Origin appearances, the quietly spoken Cordner faces a huge leadership test when he comes up against a master of game – referee – management in Queensland skipper Cameron Smith.

The 24-year-old Cordner admitted on Monday he had felt “nervous like a schoolkid” in previous Origin camps but said that had all changed with his new role this series.

“I feel more comfortable, I don’t know why,” Cordner said.

“I just feel really relaxed. The big difference is having a bit more of a voice.”

Only promoted to the Sydney Roosters co-captaincy this season, Cordner has been the on-field leader just once, with hooker Jake Friend usually doing the talking.

With the penalty count so crucial in Origin, the ability of the captains to communicate effectively with the referees is key.

NSW haven’t won a penalty count at Suncorp Stadium since 2011.

Smith, who is preparing for a record 40th Origin – the 19th as Maroons captain – is renowned for his communication with officials.

Cordner, who becomes the Blues’ third youngest skipper behind NSW coach Laurie Daley and Brad Fittler, felt he could handle that role too when needed.

“All good. I don’t find it too hard at all,” Cordner said when asked about his relationship with the whistleblowers.

“I suppose when you’re out there it’s just more emotion and spur-of-the moment things.

“It’s something you don’t go out there thinking about. If something happens then you’ve got to make sure you get your voice heard.”

In previous years, longtime NSW skipper Paul Gallen was known for generating a headline by firing a shot across the bow of Queensland in his pre-Origin media conferences.

However, Cordner is very different.

He would only speak of his admiration for the Maroons, even apologising to journalists for not firing up.

“I’ve got no punchlines or anything for you today, sorry,” he said.

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