St George Illawarra fullback Cody Ramsey has been told he will not be able to play rugby league for at least the next 12 months.
The Dragons have ruled out Ramsey for the entire 2023 season in line with medical advice after he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis before Christmas.
Cody Ramsey back at Dragons training.Credit:Morgan Taylor
When contacted on Wednesday afternoon, St George Illawarra officials confirmed Ramsey would not be able to play in 2023.
The club, though, is adamant the 22-year-old hasn’t given up hope of making a return to the top grade at some stage.
He has had several operations over the past few months and is scheduled to undergo further treatment over the next year.
The disease is often caused by an immune system malfunction, causing inflammation and ulcers on the bowel and digestive tract.
Ramsey started experiencing discomfort while on a 10-kilometre run during the preseason. He was taken to hospital, where he remained for several weeks, and later diagnosed with the condition.
The Molong product now faces an uphill battle to play in the NRL again but is determined to be around his teammates as he continues his rehabilitation.
The club holds Ramsey in high regard. When he was recently given clearance to attend Dragons training, the club created a role for him to provide assistance to the coaching staff and his teammates.
Ramsey’s health and appearance have significantly improved since first returning to training a few weeks ago. He has put on close to 10 kilograms over that period.
Cody Ramsey talks to Jack de Belin at training this week.Credit:Morgan Taylor
“Our focus will be on Cody’s medical rehabilitation and wellbeing in the first phase,” a club spokesperson told the Herald.
“From there we’ll work towards what the future looks like for him. He’s been in and around training with the players and coaches recently and is having a hugely positive impact on all of us at the club.
“Cody is a great character who is one of the most passionate, popular and respected members of our club and will have a significant impact on the success of the team over the coming season.”
Under NRL rules, the only avenues available for salary cap dispensation is either through medical retirement or through the representative injury dispensation.
Ramsey doesn’t fall into the second category. If he was forced into retirement the Dragons would be granted salary cap relief, however, no one at the club wants to shatter his dreams.
A medical retirement would require Ramsey signing a declaration that he would not play in the NRL in the future. The 22-year-old isn’t ready to give up on returning to the sport.
He remains contracted for 2023 and 2024 after signing an extension just a few weeks out from the start of the 2021 season.
If Ramsey doesn’t retire the Dragons do have the opportunity to apply for an exemption, however it’s expected his illness would fall into the same category as an injury.
Ramsey was expected to start the year at fullback after impressing in the role in the back half of last season. That position has now been handed back to Tyrell Sloan, who endured a tumultuous season following his relegation to NSW Cup.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
