Cordner rules himself out of Origin series
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NSW skipper Boyd Cordner will miss the rest of the State of Origin series on medical advice after his latest head knock.
The Roosters warhorse is standing down from leading the side with James Tedesco replacing him as captain for Wednesday's must-win game-two clash at ANZ Stadium.
Tricolours teammate Angus Crichton has been called up as his left-edge replacement in the second row.
Cordner, who has suffered multiple head knocks this season, missed six games during the Roosters’ campaign as the club took a cautious approach to his wellbeing.
The 28-year-old said that while he has "pulled up fine" from his attempted tackle on Queensland's Felise Kaufusi, his repeated knocks had dictated his decision.
"As hard as it was, it is the right call based on the fact that I have had a few knocks this year," he said in a statement issued by the Blues.
Blues look to ‘flush’ loss with quick turnaround
"I feel really good after Wednesday's game; I've pulled up fine. I have no concerns about the knock in game one. I passed the HIA test and was happy to return to the field.
"The decision is more precautionary than anything. It has been a big year and now I can just rest up and relax with a good break coming up. I will be leaving camp today."
Cordner was cleared to return in Origin I after passing the game-day protocols, but the circumstances around Cordner's return to play are being examined by the NRL.
Match: Blues v Maroons
Game 2 -
home Team
Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
The governing body sent the NSWRL a “please explain” letter on Thursday night, with CEO David Trodden backing the Blues medical staff.
"The welfare of our players is always of the utmost importance in our minds," Trodden said.
"Boyd's decision after consulting with team doctor Nathan Gibbs and coach Brad Fittler, is the appropriate one and we fully support him and wish him a restful off-season."
The NRL's inquiry follows concerns from its chief medical officer, Dr Paul Bloomfield, about Cordner's HIA and has requested accounts from Dr Gibbs and head trainer Travis Touma of their handling of the incident.
His concern centres around Cordner's stumble to his feet after hitting Kaufusi's elbow and hip as he tackled the Maroons forward.
Concussion protocols dictate that if a player is suspected to have suffered a “category 1” concussion involving ataxia, which is a loss of co-ordination and/or muscle control, then they are to be ruled out of the contest, regardless of whether they pass the subsequent HIA.
The NSWRL is expected to respond in writing next week.
Fittler will also have to find a replacement for bench forward Cameron Murray, who was ruled out for the rest of the series on Thursday due to his hamstring injury.
The likes of Panthers forward Isaah Yeo, Storm veteran Dale Finucane and Eels duo Nathan Brown and Reagan Campbell-Gillard are in line to come into the squad for game two.
Game two tickets start from $45 for members and $49 for general public or get your wig and experience the Blatchy’s effect from $85 for members or $90 for the general public
