Congrats to Boyd Cordner in being named NSW captain. I saw him talk and he seemed very humbled and acknowledge what a great honor it was for him to be captaining his state. Good choice NSW.
"Boyd Cordner has declared himself ready to handle the pressure that comes with the NSW State of Origin captaincy after being appointed to the role on Monday night.
An emotional Cordner choked back tears when he recalled how he spoke to his dad Chris immediately after receiving the good news from coach Laurie Daley on Sunday.
"I need to get myself together a bit," Cordner said after the announcement on Monday.
"He's been my number one supporter all my life. He's just proud... He was over the moon. He's always proud of me in everything I do, so it's no different now.
"You'd have to ask him, but I think he's happier than what I am."
The 24-year-old steps up to the plate after previous skipper Paul Gallen retired from the Origin arena following last year's series defeat.
In a genuine changing of the guard, vice-captain Robbie Farah was also moved on, meaning the Blues will be without both Gallen and Farah for the first time since 2010.
Cordner said he learnt a lot under the leadership of Gallen.
"He's someone that I looked up to coming through. The way he went about his business, he's tough, resilient, led by his actions and been an inspiration for this team for a while," he said.
The Sydney Roosters co-captain is adamant the added responsibility wouldn't change him as a person, but is eager to step up to the mark.
"It's just a lot more responsibility now, which I think I'm ready for," he said.
"Obviously being given the captaincy at the Roosters alongside (Jake Friend) is something that I've enjoyed so far. It doesn't really change what I do on the field.
"But it's mostly off the field where I find most change and the most responsibility. I'm at a stage in my life now where I'm ready for that and I can't wait to see what it has in store."
Daley said Cordner was a perfect fit for the role.
"Not all guys want the responsibility, but he's quite excited and happy that I chose him. I think he's a great fit for us because he's the next generation coming through for us," he said.
"I don't think he'll be as controversial as Gal. Gal was a great leader and Boyd will have his own style."
http://www.espn.com.au/nrl/story/_/...aptain-boyd-cordner-ready-biggest-origin-role
