Super Freak
International Captain
Forum Staff
- Jan 25, 2014
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DARIUS Boyd has conceded not even his most “complete year” could be enough to stave off Billy Slater’s bid for the Maroons and Kangaroos No. 1 jerseys.
Boyd looked in top shape during his first training session of the pre-season, setting the pace in fitness testing as Brisbane’s representative players reported for duty.
Wearing the mint green kit they will sport at next month’s Auckland Nines, the Broncos looked a picture of health with very few long-term injuries affecting Wayne Bennett’s squad.
Boyd, favourite to replace the retired Corey Parker as captain, was particularly impressive after keeping fit during his six-week break.
The 29-year-old produced an incredible season in 2016, being crowned Brisbane’s player of the year for the first time and earning the fullback duties for Queensland and Australia.
But they are not jerseys Boyd expects to retain this year if Slater makes a comeback from a series of shoulder injuries.
Slater, 33, is on track to play this season after fearing his career could be over. The Melbourne Storm ace is nearing peak fitness and only a serious injury will thwart his comeback bid.
“I know the kind of person Billy is. He is the ultimate professional. He will leave no stone unturned,” Boyd said.
“He’s probably trained harder than he’s ever trained to come back.
“When I did my achilles (in 2015) it was a goal to see how I could come back from something like that. I’d never come back from a serious injury.
“I reckon Billy would be in a similar boat. He’ll want to test himself to get back to his best, if not better, and play at the highest level again.
“I’d like to stay at fullback but Billy’s one of the best fullbacks to ever play the game. He’s done so much for Queensland and Australia.
“I know Kevvy (Walters, Maroons coach) would love to have him in the side and to be honest, I would too, even if it’s at the expense of myself.
“I’d like to play fullback preferably but if he came back and played No. 1, hopefully I can still jump on the wing.
“I’ve done it for one year and he’s been doing it for 10.”
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga will have a tough decision to make if Slater makes a successful return to the game.
Boyd was the best player in Australia’s Four Nations triumph and is determined to improve this year.
“It was probably my most complete year, especially with the rep side of things,” Boyd said.
“I was really happy, playing fullback gave me a chance to play my preferred position.
“It starts here at training, pushing myself. As you get older it can be harder to get out and train and give your best sometimes.
“That’s one goal of mine for the new year — to come to training every time and try and better myself, not slacken off.
“You need to go that extra mile. I know if I’ve done that I’ve done everything I can to prepare myself.”
The Kangaroos and State of Origin players are facing a long year, beginning with next month’s pre-season games and not finishing until a possible berth in the World Cup final on December 2.
“I don’t know the exact number but I played about 33 games last year,” Boyd said.
“If it’s 35 this year, what’s two more games?
“I’m not getting any younger. I’m really looking forward to my last years, however many that is.”
http://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/nrl/...s/news-story/f950954ab6fe9f9c93991084d5410fa6
Boyd looked in top shape during his first training session of the pre-season, setting the pace in fitness testing as Brisbane’s representative players reported for duty.
Wearing the mint green kit they will sport at next month’s Auckland Nines, the Broncos looked a picture of health with very few long-term injuries affecting Wayne Bennett’s squad.
Boyd, favourite to replace the retired Corey Parker as captain, was particularly impressive after keeping fit during his six-week break.
The 29-year-old produced an incredible season in 2016, being crowned Brisbane’s player of the year for the first time and earning the fullback duties for Queensland and Australia.
But they are not jerseys Boyd expects to retain this year if Slater makes a comeback from a series of shoulder injuries.
Slater, 33, is on track to play this season after fearing his career could be over. The Melbourne Storm ace is nearing peak fitness and only a serious injury will thwart his comeback bid.
“I know the kind of person Billy is. He is the ultimate professional. He will leave no stone unturned,” Boyd said.
“He’s probably trained harder than he’s ever trained to come back.
“When I did my achilles (in 2015) it was a goal to see how I could come back from something like that. I’d never come back from a serious injury.
“I reckon Billy would be in a similar boat. He’ll want to test himself to get back to his best, if not better, and play at the highest level again.
“I’d like to stay at fullback but Billy’s one of the best fullbacks to ever play the game. He’s done so much for Queensland and Australia.
“I know Kevvy (Walters, Maroons coach) would love to have him in the side and to be honest, I would too, even if it’s at the expense of myself.
“I’d like to play fullback preferably but if he came back and played No. 1, hopefully I can still jump on the wing.
“I’ve done it for one year and he’s been doing it for 10.”
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga will have a tough decision to make if Slater makes a successful return to the game.
Boyd was the best player in Australia’s Four Nations triumph and is determined to improve this year.
“It was probably my most complete year, especially with the rep side of things,” Boyd said.
“I was really happy, playing fullback gave me a chance to play my preferred position.
“It starts here at training, pushing myself. As you get older it can be harder to get out and train and give your best sometimes.
“That’s one goal of mine for the new year — to come to training every time and try and better myself, not slacken off.
“You need to go that extra mile. I know if I’ve done that I’ve done everything I can to prepare myself.”
The Kangaroos and State of Origin players are facing a long year, beginning with next month’s pre-season games and not finishing until a possible berth in the World Cup final on December 2.
“I don’t know the exact number but I played about 33 games last year,” Boyd said.
“If it’s 35 this year, what’s two more games?
“I’m not getting any younger. I’m really looking forward to my last years, however many that is.”
http://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/nrl/...s/news-story/f950954ab6fe9f9c93991084d5410fa6
