Roosters’ recruit Cody Ramsey has opened up on going from the brink of medical retirement due to a horror illness to on the verge of one of the greatest NRL comeback stories.
Ramsey last played in the NRL in 2022 after an ulcerative colitis diagnosis, which is a potentially life-threatening condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, turned his life and rugby league career upside down.
However, despite multiple doctors ruling out a rugby league comeback, Ramsey ended a 896-day wait to take the field for the Dragons’ NSW Cup side last year and went on to captain them to the Grand Final.
The heroic return to the game he loves saw him rewarded with a two-year deal with the Roosters, that will see him work as an understudy to captain and reigning Dally M Medallist James Tedesco.
Speaking with The Sydney Morning Herald, Ramsey is excited to begin the next chapter of his rugby league career with such a proud club like the Roosters.
“It’s pretty special, it’s such a prestigious club,” Ramsey told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“I’m so excited to get into training and play some games. I’m ecstatic and very grateful.”
Ramsey’s illness saw him drop from 90kg to 62kg at his lowest point, but the tenacious fullback never doubted he could get back on the field.
“It wasn’t arrogance or anything like that, I just thought I could do it,” Ramsey said.
“I’ve had thousands of kids message me that have this illness. They thought they would never be able to play sport again or enjoy life. Now they have seen me do it, they are trying to get back.
“I just wanted to get back and play football, see what that looked like, I didn’t really know. No one really knew, did they?
“I could have played five games and something with my guts could have happened. I wasn’t nervous, I was just ecstatic. Emotional was the feeling.”
Now Ramsey will bid to add to his 36 NRL games at the Roosters and is excited to work with one of the best players to ever play the fullback position.
“I just want to put my head down and learn anything from what he does, he’s the best player in the comp,” Ramsey said.
“If I can soak in some information and learn just a little bit from him, I’ll be much better for it, that’s for sure.”
Despite moving on from the Dragons, Ramsey will always hold the club close to his heart, after they never gave up on his dream to return to rugby league and supported him through his horror illness.
“I wouldn’t have gotten back if not for what they did,” Ramsey said.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better situation to be in. If I ever needed something, it was just one phone call.”
In Round 8 next season the Roosters play the Dragons on ANZAC Day and Ramsey admits he would have mixed emotions coming up against his old club.
“It would be strange, wouldn’t it?” Ramsey said.
“I’d be up against some of my best mates. Blake Lawrie is godfather to my daughter, so it would be strange. He’d probably come after me.
“I honestly think I would cry if I ran out onto the field. It’s just special, isn’t it?”
