A Remarkable Comeback
Cody Ramsey’s journey back to the NRL has been nothing short of extraordinary. After battling ulcerative colitis, a condition that left him in constant pain and even considered ending his life, Ramsey has made an emotional return to the sport he loves.
On Saturday night, Ramsey made a remarkable comeback, playing for the Sydney Roosters in a 38-24 win over Brisbane. His appearance on the wing was a testament to his resilience and determination. Ramsey described his return as “way better” than any debut, highlighting the significance of this moment in his career.
The Struggle and the Fight
Ramsey’s battle with ulcerative colitis was intense. Over 1337 days between NRL games, he spent seven months in a hospital bed, lost 27kg, and had to relearn how to eat. He underwent surgery to remove his large bowel, which led to frequent trips to the toilet—up to 40 times a day. At one point, he feared his health struggles would make his life “unlivable.”
During his darkest moments, Ramsey even asked doctors to put him into an induced coma to escape the pain. He also faced the risk of life-threatening sepsis infections. Despite these challenges, Ramsey found strength in his family and his love for rugby league.
A Change in Perspective
A pivotal moment came when a surgeon at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse jokingly told Ramsey to go easy on his Wests Tigers upon his return. This comment shifted Ramsey’s perspective. He realized that if a doctor who had operated on him believed in his ability to return, then he should too.
“I could easily not have done it, but I’ve got to live inside my own head for the rest of my life if I didn’t give it a go,” Ramsey said. His family’s support became a beacon of hope during his recovery.
Proving It to Himself
Ramsey wasted no time in testing his limits. Just hours after leaving the hospital following one of several operations, he ran four kilometers to his father’s house. With a wound on his stomach and his phone in hand, he pushed himself through the pain.
“It honestly took me forever. It nearly killed me,” he recalled. However, once he completed the run, he felt a sense of accomplishment. “This condition, it’s so mental. It’s all in your head.”
Returning to the Field
After noticing something was wrong when he began passing blood on the toilet in 2022, Ramsey returned to St George Illawarra training in May 2024. He played in the NSW Cup last year before moving to the Roosters. Even now, he remains 10kg lighter than his 2020 debut as a 20-year-old at the Dragons.
Throughout his journey, Ramsey has convinced himself that it’s a matter of mind over matter. “For the whole year, I felt like I needed to go to the toilet every time I ran,” he said. “But I was like, what’s the worst that’s going to happen to me? I’m going to s**t my pants. That’s it, that’s the worst.”
A New Chapter
As Ramsey continues to prove himself on the field, his story serves as an inspiration to others facing their own challenges. His determination and belief in himself have brought him back to the top grade, showing that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
