Nice Story

[Guest]

Nice to see a positive story. Sorry if already posted
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spor...-1226295473021

[Guest]

Roosters rising star Boyd Cordner thinks about his mum constantly

BY: BRENT READ From: The Australian March 10, 2012 12:00AM

BOYD Cordner thinks about his mum every day.

"I lost my mum when I was four," Cordner says.

"I suppose as a kid that's the hardest thing you have to go through. When you're that young, you don't remember much but I still have a lot of good memories about my mum.

"I will keep them forever. I think about her every day, just little stuff. I say a little prayer or ask if she is with me. As I said, I think about her every day and ask for help when I need it."

Cordner is unsure if his mum Lanai, who died of breast cancer 15 years ago, was with him last Monday night, but he suspects someone was looking down on him and his Roosters teammates when they produced their last-gasp heroics against South Sydney.

Cordner was front and centre, his kick creating the match-winning try for Anthony Minichiello with 19 seconds remaining. Heavenly intervention perhaps?

"I suppose I do wonder if she had a hand in it," he says. "I suppose if anyone has lost someone, they think they are there with you in certain situations. I think she probably was in that situation.

"It all happened pretty quick. I knew we were going to throw it around or try something. I ended up getting a ball off (Mitch) Aubusson. I was just hoping I would look up and there would be no one in front of me. There were players coming from everywhere. I saw Mini looming up on the inside and he was flying.

"I think he wanted a pass and there were players around him. Because he was cruising I thought I would give him a chance. I was lucky it sat up for him. I was whipping him home like the favourite down Rosehill straight . . . It was the best feeling, unreal. I don't think I have been in a game as close as that, especially in first grade. It was pretty mind blowing."

That Cordner had the chance to produce his heroics is itself mindblowing. Only 19, he has had four surgeries on his right knee and a reconstruction on his left.

Rather than end his career, it only delayed it. Now everyone is beginning to see why the Roosters worked so hard to pursue Cordner from Newcastle's youth system.

"Everyone knew who he was," Roosters recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan said. "He was the best player in the country for his age. At 14, he was the best player in the under 15s. At 15, he was the best player in the under 16s."

"I have written the same thing in my annual report for the past three years _ Boyd Cordner can be the cornerstone of our forward pack for the next decade."

Asked about his knee woes, Cordner prefers not to dwell on the past. "I have wanted to play footy ever since I could walk.

"To get the opportunity now puts the injuries and all the pain I have had to go through just behind me. It's the best feeling ever to start playing first grade."

For that, Cordner credits his father Chris and brother Dane. He reserves a big thank you for the family friends _ Donna and Larry Mason _ who have given him a home since he moved to Sydney.

"I get my food cooked, washing done and even my bed made," Cordner said. "I can't thank them enough. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for them."

As for the future, Cordner has given it little thought. As he sits in an office at Roosters headquarters, he is too busy savouring the present to worry about the past.

"For me it's about staying fit . . . and playing some good footy. To win like that in round one, that's a massive confidence booster.

"They put a few question marks on us but I think it might be because we have a young team. With a young team comes enthusiasm and that's what's so good about coming to training."

[Guest]

That put tears in my eyes no one should have to grow up without their parents . Not only does he seem like a talent he seems like a nice guy. Geez I hope we keep him..

[Guest]

He is a champion our Boyd, I hope the footy Gods look after him.

It is a touching story but NO story touched me more than the Riley Brown story, that was the most incredibly tragic story i have ever heard.

[Guest]

He is a champion our Boyd, I hope the footy Gods look after him.

It is a touching story but NO story touched me more than the Riley Brown story, that was the most incredibly tragic story i have ever heard.

Riley is back at home,playing footy this season with his 2 younger brothers with the Cessnock Goannas...

[redwhiteblue]

That put tears in my eyes no one should have to grow up without their parents . Not only does he seem like a talent he seems like a nice guy. Geez I hope we keep him..

Me too. My great nephew is 4 at the moment and I can't even imagine how awful it would be at that age to lose a parent.

[Guest]

Great story. Cordner has already demonstrated that he is on his way to becoming an exceptional footballer. All the best to him for a long, healthy and successful career, hopefully always at the Roosters.

[kakaruk]

Sounds like boyd is a really nice young bloke.Has the ability to play at the top level as well.Reckon his mum would be smiling.

[crikey chris]

If future injuries are kind to him, he has superstar written all over him.
Knee op's and a broken jaw, he has had his fair share of injuries. Tough kid. Seems "genuine".

Tariq Sims and Boyd are future rep players.

Boyd will play Origin and for his country in the not too distant future..... hopefully while wearing the easts jumper all his career.