Cody Ramsey defies odds in bid for NRL return after ulcerative colitis diagnosis

Cody Ramsey’s rugby league career was put on hold in 2022 after doctors diagnosed ulcerative colitis, a life‑altering condition that required eight months in hospital, saw him lose about 28kg and left him facing a long road back to fitness. The Dragons fullback, who broke into the NRL with St George Illawarra in 2020, was warned there was a chance he might never have children. The diagnosis forced him to suspend his career while doctors charted a path through treatment and recovery.

Ramsey made a cautious return to top-level football earlier this year, playing in the NSW Cup and steadily rebuilding his strength. On Sunday he will captain the Dragons’ reserve‑grade side in the grand final against the Warriors at CommBank Stadium, a moment he has described as a milestone in a longer journey back to the NRL. His partner, Tahlia, and their two daughters — Mia, 18 months, and Ella, six months — plan to be there to watch, providing a backdrop of family support that underpins his comeback.

Ramsey has described the period of illness and rehab as a long, gruelling process. His condition at one point left him at 62kg, and he faced the prospect that his career might not resume. He has since rebuilt to about 81kg and adopted a tightly regulated daily regimen, including a diet heavy in chicken, rice and bananas to hit a daily target of roughly 3500 calories. He said the support from his partner and family was crucial during the hardest days.

On the field, Ramsey’s persistence has translated into tangible results. He played his first game in March after almost two and a half years away and has crossed for 14 tries this season, including the match‑winning four‑pointer that propelled the Dragons into the NSW Cup grand final. Off the field, the 26‑year‑old remains off‑contract this year and has drawn interest from clubs in Australia and the Super League, with an NRL return still positioned as the ultimate goal. He noted that if given the chance, he would seize it and continue to push his limits.

He says he would tell other aspiring athletes living with ulcerative colitis that the path is not easy but possible. He has kept a what‑if mindset but refuses to let fear stop him: the worst that could happen is failure, but that is not a reason to give up. He emphasizes he never doubted his ability to compete at the highest level again and vows to give every moment in his career everything he has left.

If the comeback continues, Ramsey is hopeful of adding more high‑level games in the coming seasons while continuing to contribute for the Dragons at the reserve level. He says the immediate objective remains performing well in the grand final and building the fitness base that would support a potential NRL return, should opportunity arise. The journey has tested his resilience, but those close to him say the determination he has shown throughout his illness and recovery has only sharpened his ambition to rejoin the NRL.