He was ready to run through a brick wall for him eight years ago, now Boyd Cordner is ready to partner with Brad Fittler and take down an entire state.
Fittler was officially unveiled as the new NSW State of Origin coach on Friday as the Blues desperately search for ways to end an unprecedented era of Queensland dominance.
And he certainly has the Blues captain’s tick of approval, with Cordner joining many in pointing out Fittler’s success as NSW player, and then as a representative coach.
Fittler has won his past two games as City coach and, more recently, led international minnows Lebanon to within a whisker of a shock Rugby League World Cup semi-final.
“Everyone knows the stature of Freddie and what he’s done in the game, especially from a NSW point of view. He’s been one of the greatest Origin players ever,” Cordner said.
“He knows everything about Origin and knows what it takes to win.
“If you have a look at his coaching record with City, he’s been really impressive there with the last couple of wins in the last couple of years.
“And also what he’s done with Lebanon … he’s Brad Fittler. Whatever he has to say, you’re going to listen. I think it’s really exciting times for the Blues and NSW going forward.”
Cordner revealed it was Fittler’s status that lured him to the Roosters in his final season in charge in 2009, however didn’t make his debut until after the club icon was sacked.
The Kangaroos second-rower said there were a number of clubs interested at the time.
“Obviously having Freddie as coach there and the players they had at the time.. I had a soft spot for them as a kid so I wanted to go down and play for the red, white and blue,” he said.
“I come down as a 16-year-old from the country when I signed with the Roosters in 2009 and he was coach there. He was a big reason why I signed with the Roosters.”
Fittler has already mentioned a number of uncapped Blues who are in contention for next year’s series, and Cordner expanded the list to include his current Australian teammates.
Incumbent Kangaroos Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Jordan McLean have yet to make their Origin debuts, while Tom Trbojevic is also part of the Australian squad.
