Fresh concerns over Boyd Cordner after another head knock

NSW’s loss in the opening State of Origin game was further tainted by fresh question marks over Boyd Cordner, who suffered another head knock.

Boyd Cordner is helped from the field after suffering yet another head knock

NSW’s shock loss at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday night in the opening game of the State of Origin series was further tainted by fresh question marks over the future of captain Boyd Cordner after he suffered yet another head knock.

Cordner was forced from the field in the first half after suffering a blow while attempting to tackle Maroons backrower Felise Kaufusi, although he returned to the action after passing a head injury assessment.

The Blues skipper missed almost half the NRL season due to head knocks and there were calls for him to give serious consideration to his future in the game. Those concerned for his health were no doubt on the edge of their seat when he left the field to undergo an assessment in the 18th minute.

Many were then scratching their head when he was cleared to return given his recent history. Social media, as it so often does, went into meltdown.

None of those flooding Twitter to vent their fury at the decision to clear Cordner to re-enter the fray were in the dressing room when the NSW skipper underwent a test.

Yet questions will inevitably be raised on Thursday given the manner in which Cordner suffered his latest blow.

The contact didn’t seem that significant. Truth be told, it seemed fairly innocuous. Science suggests that the more blows you receive, the easier it is to suffer another and the longer it takes to recover, a point made by concussion expert Alan Pearce on social media in response to comments about the Corner incident.

Cordner had to be shepherded off the field by NSW doctor Nathan Gibbs and the immediate thought was that his evening was over.

That theory was blown away when Cordner made his way back into the playing arena from the dressing room and took a HIA card in his hand. Soon enough, he was back in the game and doing his best to inspire the Blues.

Cordner admits it isn’t ideal to keep getting head knocks.

“I understand that,” he said after the game. “I have the best people around me. I have sought the best advice throughout the year. I will keep doing that. I will work closely with the medical staff throughout the week. We will go from there.”

Few people know Cordner as well as NSW coach Brad Fittler. Fittler has been one of his strongest supporters and vowed to stand by Cordner when the Roosters backrower was struggling with head knocks earlier this year.

Fittler has admitted that Cordner was the only player he was certain to pick and he would never do anything to put his skipper’s health at risk.

The Roosters took the greatest of care with their captain when he suffered head knocks earlier in the season, wary of looking after his health given the delicate nature of concussion.

The Blues no doubt feel the same.