Super Freak
International Captain
Forum Staff
- Jan 25, 2014
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DARIUS Boyd has outlined his plan to stave off Greg Inglis and Billy Slater by transferring his status as Australia’s premier fullback to the Origin arena with Queensland.
Boyd’s stance came as Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga warned an out-of-sorts Inglis would silence critics despite losing his No.1 jumper to the Broncos ace for Friday week’s Test.
Boyd’s two-year Test exile ended on Tuesday when he unseated Inglis as Australia’s custodian for the trans-Tasman Test in Newcastle.
For Boyd, it will be an emotional return to the city where he formed a lifelong bond with former Knights teammate Alex McKinnon, who tragically broke his neck against the Storm two years ago.
McKinnon will be on deck to watch Boyd and the in-form Bronco hopes a dominant display in green and gold will rubberstamp him as Maroons fullback.
Inglis is Queensland’s fullback incumbent, while the injured Slater is eyeing an Origin swan song next season. But Boyd is determined to be a long-term force in the No.1.
“On the wing there’s not as much involvement so to get to play fullback for your country is a pretty special feeling. Hopefully I can stay there,” Boyd said.
“I’m stoked to be back in the Australian team ... a few times in the past I was probably picked on reputation, but this time I feel I have earned it on form. If Queensland pick me there as well, I won’t say no because I’m really enjoying my role at fullback with the Broncos.
“I played fullback for Australia (in 2011) when Billy broke his collarbone, so that position in rep football is not foreign to me. Mal and the selectors know what I can bring at fullback.”
It has been a tumultuous journey since Boyd’s last stint in Australian colours in 2014.
Four months after his 17th and most recent Test, Boyd entered rehab to win the battle over depression and anxiety.
Then, just three months after checking out of rehab, Boyd ruptured his achilles, delaying his premiership return for the Broncos last season.
Throughout his ordeal, Boyd took solace and strength from good mate McKinnon, who regularly sees catches up when he visits the Gold Coast for spinal treatment.
“I had up and down memories in Newcastle but I wouldn’t take it back,” Boyd said.
“I came through the other side and was lucky to have a close friend in Alex McKinnon. I am just happy again to be honest.
“After I did my achilles, I had some lonely sessions in the gym. That stuck in the back of my mind and now I take every opportunity with both hands.”
QRL chairman Peter Betros said Maroons selectors would find it hard to overlook Boyd for the fullback spot.
“Now that he’s picked for Australia at fullback, it makes the job for the Queensland selectors very easy,” he said.
“I’m not a selector but Darius deserves to be the Maroons’ fullback on his current form.”
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...k/news-story/9ba9e5b736957a4d4e63f8c361b5d7f3
Boyd’s stance came as Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga warned an out-of-sorts Inglis would silence critics despite losing his No.1 jumper to the Broncos ace for Friday week’s Test.
Boyd’s two-year Test exile ended on Tuesday when he unseated Inglis as Australia’s custodian for the trans-Tasman Test in Newcastle.
For Boyd, it will be an emotional return to the city where he formed a lifelong bond with former Knights teammate Alex McKinnon, who tragically broke his neck against the Storm two years ago.
McKinnon will be on deck to watch Boyd and the in-form Bronco hopes a dominant display in green and gold will rubberstamp him as Maroons fullback.
Inglis is Queensland’s fullback incumbent, while the injured Slater is eyeing an Origin swan song next season. But Boyd is determined to be a long-term force in the No.1.
“On the wing there’s not as much involvement so to get to play fullback for your country is a pretty special feeling. Hopefully I can stay there,” Boyd said.
“I’m stoked to be back in the Australian team ... a few times in the past I was probably picked on reputation, but this time I feel I have earned it on form. If Queensland pick me there as well, I won’t say no because I’m really enjoying my role at fullback with the Broncos.
“I played fullback for Australia (in 2011) when Billy broke his collarbone, so that position in rep football is not foreign to me. Mal and the selectors know what I can bring at fullback.”
It has been a tumultuous journey since Boyd’s last stint in Australian colours in 2014.
Four months after his 17th and most recent Test, Boyd entered rehab to win the battle over depression and anxiety.
Then, just three months after checking out of rehab, Boyd ruptured his achilles, delaying his premiership return for the Broncos last season.
Throughout his ordeal, Boyd took solace and strength from good mate McKinnon, who regularly sees catches up when he visits the Gold Coast for spinal treatment.
“I had up and down memories in Newcastle but I wouldn’t take it back,” Boyd said.
“I came through the other side and was lucky to have a close friend in Alex McKinnon. I am just happy again to be honest.
“After I did my achilles, I had some lonely sessions in the gym. That stuck in the back of my mind and now I take every opportunity with both hands.”
QRL chairman Peter Betros said Maroons selectors would find it hard to overlook Boyd for the fullback spot.
“Now that he’s picked for Australia at fullback, it makes the job for the Queensland selectors very easy,” he said.
“I’m not a selector but Darius deserves to be the Maroons’ fullback on his current form.”
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...k/news-story/9ba9e5b736957a4d4e63f8c361b5d7f3
