NSW State of Origin skipper Boyd Cordner is physically and mentally ready for another gruelling campaign, Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has declared.
Blues coach Brad Fittler confirmed on Thursday that Cordner has retained his place as captain for this year’s series despite criticism from former coach Phil Gould earlier in the week.
With this weekend being the last chance for Origin candidates to impress before the teams are named on Monday, Robinson said Gould’s comments were “insignificant” to him.
“I know how good a player he is, and I know what I want from him. He knows what his role is, and that’s what we focus on,” Robinson said on Friday.
“Opinions, there’s a lot more, they’ve increased more than ever this year. You don’t waver on what you believe and we’re pretty clear on what we want from Boyd and where he’s getting to.”
Robinson conceded his co-captain had been down on form over the opening month of the season as he worked his way back to full fitness following a shortened pre-season.
After a long World Cup campaign with the Kangaroos, 25-year-old Cordner was forced to undergo a radical stem-cell procedure to address a debilitating knee issue.
“He didn’t train, he didn’t play any of the trials, and then he started training ten days before round one. And then his game’s improved as the season’s gone on,” Robinson said.
“He’s a strong man and strong player, and he continued to be.”
Cordner famously sought the help of an energy healer prior to last year’s decider, where he battled through a calf injury he picked up in game two.
The draining nature of the Origin juggernaut has already claimed one victim before this year’s series, with Queensland champion Cameron Smith announcing his retirement from representative football.
But on the eve of another Origin series, Robinson is adamant Cordner is prepared for his second crack at leading the Blues to a breakthrough campaign over Queensland.
Cordner struggled for fitness immediately after the Origin series, but has been backed to deliver again for both club and state.
“He’s strong. He’ll be ready. He’s a leader. He’ll know what to do when the time comes,” Robinson said.