Turning out for the NSW Country Cockatoos lived up to the expectations of Central North duo Ed Cordingley and Andrew Collins.
Walcha’s Cordingley and Pirates’ Collins both turned out in the representative side’s 34-24 win over ACT Provincial on Sunday.
Collins savoured the moment after he started the game at prop.
“It was a massive honour and something I’ve wanted to do since I moved back to Tamworth,” Collins said.
Cordingley was injected into the game just after half-time.
The Walcha player, who usually turns out in the centres, played on the wing.
Not that Cordingley cared. He was just “happy to get on wherever I could”.
“It was great. Obviously a lot more intense than anything I’ve played. And upbeat and quick,” Cordingley said.
“Everyone you were playing with and against was bloody good. It was a good experience. It was good fun and a good step up.”
Collins and Cordingley said the Cockatoos had set up a handy lead before ACT Provincial hit back late.
“We were, sort of, going quite strongly with 15 to go but a couple yellow cards toward the end and we were down to 13 men for the last bit,” Cordingley said.
“They got a try or two and trimmed the scoreline in.”
Collins said the Cockatoos’ scrums were “real good” and the side gelled quickly as the coaches kept the game plan simple.
“It was good. Everyone came together,” he said.
“We had a training on Saturday and everyone clicked into gear.”
The Cockatoos’ next game will come up against long-time rivals Queensland Country in Goondiwindi on June 30.
Both were excited for that clash with Collins stating there was plenty of “passion” and “a bit of hatred” between the two sides. Both players will also turn out for their respective clubs this weekend.
Cordingley came through the rep game unscathed while Collins copped head knock but the prop said he was fine and would “be lining up against Quirindi”.
