News

Departing Cordingley desperate to play

Tuesday 13th May 2008

France bound: Sam Cordingley

France-bound scrum-half Sam Cordingley says he's desperate to play one final match for the Reds in Saturday's Super 14 clash against the Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium.

Cordingley, 32, trained strongly as he attempts to comeback from a calf muscle injury that has sidelined him for a large chunk of the season.

But whether he takes his place on the bench against the Waratahs, who are playing for a semi-final berth and possibly a home semi-final, will depend on how the leg pulls up on Wednesday.

"It does mean a lot, having been involved in Queensland rugby for the better part of seven years," Cordingley told AAP.

"This will be my last game. Last time I left to go overseas (in 2002), being 26 years of age, the opportunity was always open to come back but this is it.

"There's no more games for Queensland after this.

"This is the biggest game Queensland can play, against New South Wales, and I'm desperate to be a part of that."

Cordingley rated himself a "better than 60 per cent chance" of playing the grudge match against the Waratahs, who are coming off a tough tour of South Africa.

The Reds could use his experience in a squad missing full-back Chris Latham (shoulder) and winger Digby Ioane (suspension) while flanker Hugh McMeniman is a 50-50 chance of coming back from a fractured ankle.

"If the calf pulls up alright tomorrow, the likelihood is that I'll be involved and what a great way to go out," said Cordingley, who will play for French club Grenoble later this year.

"Given how I ran today, I'm pretty positive I'll be involved on the weekend.

"I've worked pretty hard in the time I've had off.

"It's only been about five weeks now. I've had longer stints off than that.

"I'll be trying to tick every box. It's one of those fine lines.

"I get to play for Queensland again and if it means getting a little bit of time on the field then it's all worth it."

The Reds, with just three wins from 12 games this season, will be looking to finish their season on a high, unlike last year's humiliating final round when they suffered a record 92-3 loss to the Bulls.

With retiring flanker David Croft and Brumbies-bound hooker Stephen Moore also preparing for their last games in a Reds jersey, coach Phil Mooney admitted there was a concern the emotion of the night could distract his players from the game plan.

"That can be a danger but I think we're pretty well bonded and focused on this week," he said.

"I heard Crofty say we're playing for the Bob Templeton Cup and he's a significant person in the history of this place.

"We want to win his trophy back and bring it to its rightful home back here.

"We're focused on the Waratahs and nothing else."