Blue coach Brad Fittler confirms Boyd Cordner will not play Origin this year

As the countdown to State of Origin begins, Blues coach Brad Fittler has confirmed a veteran of the side will not participate this year.

Cordner made his Origin debut in 2013. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Blues coach Brad Fittler has confirmed Boyd Cordner will not take part in this year’s State of Origin series, as the former NSW captain continues to recover from repeated head knocks.

A veteran of 16 Origin matches, Cordner suffered a concussion in the opener of last year’s series and has not played first grade footy since.

The injury, the last in a string of head knocks, threatened to bring the curtain down on Cordner’s career prematurely, but the 28-year-old is now closing in on a return to the top flight.

It won’t be in a blue jersey, however.

“I spoke to Boyd and we won’t consider Boyd for this year,” Fittler told reporters this week.

“He’s looking at round 14-16 (for his return), but I’ve spoken to him and I want him to get back on the field (for the Roosters).”

Cordner captained the Blues to their 2019 series win. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

The Blues enjoy an embarrassment of riches in most positions leading into Game One on June 9.

However, with a Cordner return off the cards, Fittler’s edge forward options aren’t quite as plentiful as his outside back or playmaker stocks.

In fact, it appears ‘Freddy’ may choose to blood a Blues debutant in the first match of the series.

Panthers interchange forward Liam Martin, towering Eel Shaun Lane and his Parramatta teammate Ryan Matterson have all entered the frame as possible options on an edge.

If fit, incumbent back-rowers Tyson Frizell and Angus Crichton are likely inclusions as well.

“There’s a few back-rowers down, that’s where we’re a bit short at the moment,” Fittler confirmed.

“With less than three weeks to go, there’s a lot that can happen.

“It’s very exciting that all our players are playing well. We have 18 days to see who is fit because the conversations are around injuries.

“One thing I learned from last year is you go in with fit people.”

Debate has raged about the Blues’ options in most key positions. Damien Cook appears the likeliest choice at hooker, while the unquestionable NRL form of halfback Nathan Cleary has all but guaranteed he will retain the number seven jersey.

As for his partner-in-crime in the halves, Fittler’s choice is less clear-cut.

The injury-ravaged Roosters will welcome Cordner back with open arms in the coming weeks.

Having already farewelled co-captain Jake Friend this season due to repeated head knocks, the club is wanting for big-game experience as boom rookie Sam Walker continues to lead the depleted Tricolours around the park.

Originally published as Blue coach Brad Fittler confirms Boyd Cordner will not play Origin this year