After casting self-pity aside over his latest injury setback, Sydney Roosters back-rower Boyd Cordner is confident he has done enough in his first game back from an ankle complaint to warrant selection in the NSW league side for State of Origin III.
After missing six weeks with a syndesmosis injury, the Kangaroos' back-rower enjoyed a solid return to in the premiers' NRL loss to Manly on Friday night, including a try with his second touch of the football.
It is the second time in his short career Cordner has had to deal with missing big games due to injury, but the second time he has showed his determination in returning ahead of schedule.
The 22-year-old suffered the same injury to his opposite ankle in the lead-up to last year's finals series, before returning in the Roosters' epic grand final victory over the Sea Eagles.
With Anthony Watmough sidelined due to suspension as NSW chase their first series clean sweep since 2000 at Suncorp Stadium on July 9, Cordner shapes as his likely replacement when Blues coach Laurie Daley names his team tomorrow.
