Dragons fullback Cody Ramsey is battling a critical sickness that might drive him to surrender rugby league.
News Corp revealed the 22-year-old has spent the previous fortnight in hospital after being recognized with ulcerative colitis and will require surgical procedure.
The illness causes irritation and ulcers on the bowel and digestive tract and is usually attributable to an immune system malfunction.
Watch each match of the Rugby League World Cup LIVE & Exclusive to Fox Sports, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
What are Broncos engaged on for 2023? | 00:55
Ramsey’s mum, Kim, advised News Corp that he was admitted to hospital after experiencing extreme ache following a long-distance run at coaching.
“Cody thought it was just a bug and ran his nine-and-a-half kilometres,” she stated.
“That’s where it all unravelled. His immune system was fighting something it couldn’t fix.
“The doctor originally said he might need surgery and it could end his footy career.
“I’ve never seen him so sick and in so much pain.
“Fortunately, he’s progressing now and we’re hopeful he’ll be OK to play again next season.
“He’s a tough cookie and he’ll hopefully be back in the new year.
“Footy’s important but as long as I’ve got a healthy boy … family is everything.”
MORE NRL NEWS
ORIGIN OVERHAUL: ARLC offers eligibility overhaul inexperienced mild for evaluation
WHISPERS: Sheens’ secret assembly with Eels outcast; Teddy’s shock transfer
‘NOT TAKE EASY WAY OUT’: Why Hodgson rejected retirement to fill Eels void
‘WANT SUCCESS NOW’: Marshall reveals Tigers’ ‘bright’ future after roster overhaul
Samoan stars arrive to large welcome | 00:31
Ramsey, who faces one other two weeks in hospital, is being handled with a government-funded drug referred to as Infliximab which prices $12,000 per injection and takes two hours to inject every dose.
Kim additionally praised Dragons coach Anthony Griffin, who has been in fixed contact with each her and Cody.
“You know what, that man is one in a million,” Kim stated of Griffin.
“He has rung me every single day. He has texted Cody every single day.
“He has gone to his ward to visit him at the hospital a couple of times.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
“He cares so much for all of his players and he’s treated Cody like a son.
“I can’t thank him enough. When he rings he’s never in a rush. Honestly, he’s the nicest man.”
It’s a devastating blow for Ramsey, who managed to overhaul Tyrell Sloan final season because the Dragons’ first alternative fullback.
Ramsey began the season on the wing however shifted to the No.1 jersey in Round 11 and retained it for the rest of the season.