- Cody Ramsey was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2022
- Lost almost 30kg, advised he may never have children
- Father of two defied the odds, now eyeing off NRL return
Doctors told Cody Ramsey his rugby league career was over when he spent eight months in hospital, lost 28kg and underwent multiple corrective surgeries to deal with a life-altering diagnosis of ulcerative colitis in 2022.
The fullback, who had shown great promise following his NRL debut with St George Illawarra in 2020, was also informed there was a chance he might never be able to have children.
A determined Ramsey made a return to rugby league earlier this year in the NSW Cup and he will captain the Dragons reserve grade side in Sunday’s grand final against the Warriors at CommBank Stadium.
There is the added bonus that partner Tahlia, who picked him up when he fainted through weakness, and their two daughters 18-month-old Mia and six-month old Ella will be there proudly watching.
‘There were times where I was in and out of hospital… and I could barely keep my eyes open from losing so much fluid,’ Ramsey said.
‘Somehow she (Tahlia) would end up getting me in the car.
Doctors told Cody Ramsey his rugby league career was over after he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis – but the winger refuses to give up on a NRL return (pictured, with the Dragons in 2022)
The fullback, who had shown great promise following his NRL debut with St George Illawarra in 2020, was also informed there was a chance he might never be able to have children
Ramsey returned to rugby league earlier this year in the NSW Cup – and will captain the Dragons reserve grade side in Sunday’s grand final against the Warriors (pictured, with partner Tahlia and the couple’s two daughters)
‘She was pregnant when I was in and out of hospital the whole time and she sat in one of those uncomfortable fold-out couches. The appreciation I have for her and my daughters is unmatched.’
Ramsey’s condition was so bad at one stage he dropped to 62kg. He now plays at 81kg and had to meticulously track his diet which consisted of chicken, rice and bananas to ensure he reached his daily target intake of 3500 calories.
Asked what he would say to other aspiring athletes living with ulcerative colitis, Ramsey said: ‘I have a bit of a ‘what if’ mentality, what’s the worst that could happen? You fail? Don’t be embarrassed.
‘There were tough days but I never felt I couldn’t do it, I’ve been up there before I know what it takes.’
Ramsey played his first game in close to two-and-a-half years in March and has scored 14 tries this season, including the match-winning four-pointer to send the Dragons into the grand final.
A shot at an NRL return – Ramsey is off-contract with the Red V this year and has been linked to clubs in Australia and the Super League – remains the ultimate goal.
‘I have (played that day over in my head) a few times and it would mean a lot to me,’ Ramsey said.
‘But just to return in the grade I’m in, to play every game and when you’ve had something like this happen…(I always think) if this is the last game I ever play, did I give it everything I could give?
‘I don’t want to leave anything out there, that’s the mentality I’m going to treat my whole career from now on.’
