Sonny Bill Williams: Boyd Cordner compares SBW to NRL immortal Mal Meninga
“He inspired our generation to raise the bar and he’s been a superstar ever since.” That’s the huge endorsement for Sonny Bill Williams from Roosters captain Boyd Cordner, who describes his aura as equal to that of Immortal Mal Meninga.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
From a career that spans Test, State of Origin and premiership victories, Boyd Cordner has shared dressing rooms with rugby league‘s greatest players and coaches.
Yet for Cordner, this is where Sonny Bill Williams holds the floor.
In a compelling endorsement, Cordner has described Williams’ power to inspire and sheer dressing room presence as equal to that of Immortal Mal Meninga and three-time premiership-winning coach Trent Robinson.
“It‘s real,’’ Cordner said of Williams’ aura.
“It‘s only a few certain players and people that have that — and Sonny has it.
“I think it‘s a pretty special thing to have and it just goes to show how well respected he is among the sporting world.
“Robbo (Robinson) definitely has that. And a guy we all know by the name of Mal Meninga has it also.
“He just has that something about him.
“They‘re guys (Williams, Robinson and Meninga) that just have that, without even trying.
“It‘s hard to explain, but it’s just a respect that they demand without even trying too.’’
Kayo is your ticket to the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership. Every game of every round Live & On-Demand with no-ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
On the comeback trail from two worrying concussions that has left him sidelined for the past fortnight, Cordner has taken every precaution to return to full-health and as he prepares to return, possibly as early as next weekend against St George Illawarra.
“The health is good, I‘m just being cautious with it. I’ll be doing everything I can to play against the Dragons, if not I’ll be back for the Storm (the following week),’’ Cordner said.
But with down time at home to recover, the NSW Origin and Roosters captain, like the rest of the rugby league world, has been unable to avoid being swept-up in the return of Williams to the NRL — and most importantly, the Roosters.
“I was over the moon when Robbo (Robinson) first told me that it was a chance of happening. I was really excited to get someone like that back,‘’ Cordner said.
“What he brings to a change room, by him just walking into it and not even really doing anything on the field or anything physically, his presence at the club, will be terrific.
“I know the impact he had when he first came to the club in 2013 and the influence he had off the field with the playing group, that‘s what you notice the most.
“The way he is so professional.
“He‘s obviously got that aura about him and I suppose with guys like myself, who grew-up watching Sonny Bill play, he inspired our generation to raise the bar — and he’s been a superstar ever since.
“But the thing with him is, he‘s never let that get to his head or his values and what he is about as a person.
“That‘s why he gets so much respect from his fellow playing group and coaching staff and the sporting world.’’
MORE NEWS
Inside SBW’s luxury iso pad ahead of Roosters return
Kent: Smith decision threatens to destroy Storm’s future
Ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a knee reconstruction, Roosters lock Victor Radley and rookie hooker Sam Verrills, will be two of the leading beneficiaries of Williams returning to the club, according to Cordner.
“Obviously Rads (Radley) is going to want to earn Sonny‘s respect by the way he goes about his business,’’ Cordner said.
“I think this is the first serious injury Rads has been through.
“He‘s always been one of those kids that have been athletic and who can turn up to training and win fitness tests without stretching himself.
“It might just hit home to Rads that you have to look after your body and there‘s no one better who prepares you for that than Sonny.
“And knowing how much Rads respects Sonny along with all of us, we‘d be silly not to milk as much of that knowledge and experience out of him.
“The first thing you want to do is earn his respect and the way you do that is to work hard and play hard.
“Because he (Williams) sets his bar high himself. That will be the main thing for those younger boys because they obviously watched him and for a lot of them, he is their hero.
“So for them to be at the club, it will be Sonny‘s aura that he has, that lifts everyone.’’
Originally published as Sonny Bill Williams: Boyd Cordner compares SBW to NRL immortal Mal Meninga