A Remarkable Comeback
Cody Ramsey’s journey back to the NRL has been nothing short of inspirational. 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. His story is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in himself.
Ramsey’s return on Saturday night was a momentous occasion, as he took to the field for the Sydney Roosters in a 38-24 win over Brisbane. Replacing Mark Nawaqanitawase on the wing, he described his return as “way better” than any debut. This achievement marks the culmination of a 1337-day journey between NRL games, during which Ramsey spent seven months in a hospital bed, lost 27kg, and had to relearn how to eat.
The challenges were immense. He had his large bowel removed, leading to frequent trips to the toilet—up to 40 times a day at one point. There were moments when he feared his life had become “unlivable.” At times, Ramsey even asked doctors to put him into an induced coma to escape the pain, while also facing the risk of life-threatening sepsis infections.
Despite these hardships, Ramsey found strength in his family and his love for rugby league. Even when doctors told him he would never play again, his partner Tahlia and their growing family remained a beacon of hope. The turning point came when a surgeon at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse jokingly advised him to go easy on his Wests Tigers upon returning to the game.
“He was the one cutting me open, doing the reversals,” Ramsey said. “So I was like: ‘if he thinks I’m going to do it, then it’s only up to me. If I can get myself back and myself right and do the right things, then why can’t I do it?'”
For Ramsey, the challenge was not just physical but mental. He recalled a moment shortly after leaving the hospital, when he decided to run four kilometers to his father’s house. With a wound on his stomach and his phone in hand in case something went wrong, the 62kg athlete pushed through the pain.
“I remember as I was running down Dapto Highway, I was 62 kilos. It honestly took me forever. It nearly killed me. But once I’d done it, I was like, I can do it. This condition, it’s so mental. It’s all in your head.”
Ramsey’s return to the field did not happen overnight. After noticing something was wrong when he began passing blood in 2022, he first returned to St George Illawarra training in May 2024 and played in the NSW Cup last year before joining the Roosters. Even now, he remains 10kg lighter than his 2020 debut as a 20-year-old at the Dragons.
Throughout this journey, Ramsey has convinced himself that it’s a matter of mind over matter. He explained how he dealt with the fear of needing to go to the toilet every time he ran.
“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 shit my pants. That’s it, that’s the worst. And then I didn’t that one training session. And then I didn’t that week. And then I didn’t that month. And then I get into the game, and I didn’t do it. It’s just something in your head that tells you that you’re not going to do it.”
Ramsey’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and belief. His journey serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.
