Cordner’s reasons for thanking Alex

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

FOR most people in rugby league, Alex McKinnon's dose of inspiration has barely started to take effect.

But for Australia's greenest Test cap, it started midway through last season.

Without McKinnon's care and advice, Roosters star Boyd Cordner knows he might not have been part of last year's grand final victory.

Locked in a race against time to overcome a severe ankle syndesmosis, Cordner relied on McKinnon for guidance and advice during his frantic rehabilitation.

MCKINNON OFFERED NRL JOB FOR LIFE

Roosters backrower Boyd Cordner in action. Source: News Corp Australia

"When I first did my ankle injury, Alex was one of the first people to text me," Cordner recalled.

"He had the same injury and came back a few weeks early. I was in constant contact him, comparing how he felt at certain stages.

"It helped me heaps with my confidence. It helped me come back in time and win a comp with the Roosters."

The 21-year-old was eventually cleared to return for the decider, and went on to make two appearances for the Kangaroos at last year's World Cup.

But Cordner's fairytale run was shattered when he learned of McKinnon's career-ending fate in March.

Knight Alex McKinnon in action. Source: News Corp Australia

Despite never playing for the same club, the pair forged a tight bond as backrow team mates in a collection of junior representative sides.

"When I saw it happen, I couldn't watch it again," Cordner said. "It was pretty scary to see how he ended up.

"I was rattled myself. You don't want to see that happen to anyone, but when it's one of your best mates, it hurts a bit more."

The oblique days following McKinnon's injury were torture for Cordner, who did not want to disturb his mate's family with multiple inquiries.

He was able to visit Mckinnon until the patient was well enough to move from Melbourne to Sydney earlier this month.

Newcastle Knight Alex McKinnon in action. Source: News Limited

"I had a day off and went up (to hospital) to see how he was going," Cordner said.

"I thought I was going to have to be careful with what I said, but he was so positive, and we were cracking jokes about the old times straightaway."

With McKinnon making his first public statement and appearance last weekend, Cordner is about to resume his heady ascent.

Sam Thaiday's calf injury has opened the way for a spot in the Kangaroos starting pack on Friday night.

Kangaroos stars James Tamou, Boyd Cordner, Greg Bird and Paul Gallen. Source: News Corp Australia

When he pulls on the green and gold jersey for the first time on home soil, there's no doubt Cordner will spare a thought for his stricken friend who was there for him last year.

"It's hard to say why you take a liking to a particular person," Cordner said.

"We never played for the same club team, but I suppose we shared the same qualities and outlook on life.

"If anyone can get through this, it's Alex. He's extremely tough."

Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang

Cordner’s reasons for thanking Alex

Dengan url

http://sportfoxer.blogspot.com/2014/04/cordneras-reasons-for-thanking-alex.html

Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya

Cordner’s reasons for thanking Alex

namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link

Cordner’s reasons for thanking Alex

sebagai sumbernya