Roosters’ messages of support injured former great Ian Schubert

Sydney Roosters stars Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend have spoken of their shock and love for former great Ian Schubert, who is recovering in hospital after a motorcycle accident.

Ian Schubert in action for Eastern Suburbs in 1977.

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Sydney Roosters co-captains Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend have sent heartfelt messages of support to badly injured Easts legend, Ian Schubert.

The 63-year-old was told his left foot may be amputated after an horrific motorcycle accident last Sunday but two 12-hour operations appear to have been successful.

He has now been discharged from intensive care to a general ward at St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst.

The blood flow to his foot has returned through surgery, although Schubert will remain in hospital for another three weeks. Crucial to Schubert’s recovery will be avoiding blood clots and infections.

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Ian Schubert in action for Eastern Suburbs against Manly at the SCG in 1977.

Cordner and Friend offered their full support to Schubert — as did Roosters chairman Nick Politis and coach Trent Robinson — ahead of Thursday night’s massive match against Souths at ANZ Stadium.

Schubert played 149 matches for the Roosters — including the history making 1975 grand final — and is now the club’s salary cap auditor.

“Shoey is one of ours. He’s a legend of the Roosters and we love having him around the club,” Friend said.

“Obviously we were all really concerned when we heard about Shoey’s accident, but it’s awesome that things are looking more positive for him so far. We’re all behind Shoey and his family, and hopefully things continue to improve for him.”

Cordner also spoke from the heart.

“All our thoughts have been with Shoey, and also his family,” Cordner said.

“He was a big part of such a proud time in the Roosters history and we love having him around the club now.

“I know he’s also done a lot of fundraising with ‘Freddy’ (Brad Fittler) over the years, so it was a shock for us to hear about his accident.

“It’s great to hear that Shoey received some positive news after his latest surgery, and I’m sure he knows we’re all here for him.”

Schubert is part of the club’s rich history.

Robinson added: “Shoey’s a former legend of the club, and now he’s still a legend of the club. It’s good having him in and around here, and I get to spend a lot of time with him. Obviously we know how much he loves riding, and it was a tragic accident on the weekend.

“So far, it’s good news out of the second operation. His attitude’s been pretty positive for a man who’s had two tough operations so far, but that’s typical Shoey and we wish him all the best.”

Politis said his club would support Schubert through his ordeal.

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“We are just hoping everything turns out well. It all sounds positive so far,” Politis told The Daily Telegraph. “He is a great family who has been associated with the club for many years. We love him and we will support him right through all this difficult time.

“He is a good bloke. He wouldn’t with us if he wasn’t a good bloke. He played under Jack Gibson back in the 1970s. He was an outstanding player for the club.”

Former ARL chief executive and close friend of Schubert, Geoff Carr, visited Schubert yesterday, as did Roosters chief executive Joe Kelly and club head of football pathways and programs, Craig Walker.

Jake Friend and Boyd Cordner know what Schubert means to the Roosters. Photo: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

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“He is a tough bastard,” Carr said. “The initial concern was that because both arteries were severed in his leg there was no blood flow to the foot but over those operations, they have restored that blood flow.

“He’s not yet out of the woods because he has to survive infections and clots. There are a few things that can technically go wrong. He was smiling and cracking jokes while I was there but he is buggered after two really long operations.”

Schubert is expected to tune in to Thursday’s big match to cheer his Roosters.

Originally published as Roosters’ messages of support injured former great Ian Schubert