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Boyd Cordner celebrated as a 'bush footballer, great guy' by Mid North Coast upon his retirement

Cordner won three premierships with the Roosters, captaining his club, state, and country. (AAP: Joel Carrett)

A local community is banging the drum for recently retired rugby league star Boyd Cordner to have a medal named after him in the local competition where he first played. 

The 29-year-old hung up his boots in a career that featured 181 NRL games for the Sydney Roosters, 20 tests for Australia, and 16 State of Origin matches for New South Wales.

A former official who oversaw the junior competitions where Cordner played as a boy, Kevin Hardy, wants a medal to be named in his honour.

Mr Hardy said Cordner never forgot his roots or where he came from.

The second-row forward's retirement was brought on by repeat concussions.

His teammate Jake Friend also retired from the NRL this year after dealing with more than 20 concussions in his career.

Sydney Roosters' Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend both retired this year. (ABC News: Nick Sas)

'Typical bush footballer'

Mr Hardy remembers as Cordner was coming through the ranks he was a versatile player who was talented, but never imagined he would achieve all that he has.

Boyd Cordner's first club was Old Bar Pirates before he went onto play for Taree Red Rovers. (Facebook)

"'He's excelled more than I really thought he would. He captained Australia and captained the origin side," he said.

Cordner's junior rugby league club Old Bar Pirates paid tribute to the second-rower in a post to social media.

"Thank you and congratulations on your career! No one in Old Bar ever questioned your passion, drive, and commitment!" it said.

"To see what you’ve achieved speaks volumes of your character.

New South Wales Rugby League have been contacted for comment.

Sydney Roosters captain Boyd Cordner announces retirement from rugby league
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