Super Freak
International Captain
Forum Staff
- Jan 25, 2014
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DARREN Lockyer says Darius Boyd has become a “rock’’ for the Broncos and he can understand why Wayne Bennett has made him captain.
Lockyer, Brisbane’s most recent premiership captain in 2006, said Boyd, 29, brought the respect of his teammates and 11 years of first grade experience to the job.
Boyd, a 19-year-old member of the last Broncos team to win a grand final, was confirmed as club skipper, replacing the retired Corey Parker.
Lockyer, a member of the Broncos’ recruitment and retention committee, said he could see why Bennett thought Boyd was fully qualified to take on the high-profile role.
“Especially off the back of his performances last year when he was the Broncos best and fairest and played well for Queensland and Australia,’’ Lockyer said.
“He is a bit of a rock for that team right now. With young halves and Ben (Hunt) going next year — and who fills his boots remains to be seen — Darius gives that group stability on the field with his experience.
“Considering where he came from, when he was what he considers rock bottom at Newcastle (in 2014), he’s learned a lot about himself. He’s well respected among the group. They listen to him, that is what you want. And he’s dominant on the field.
“He’s come a long way in the last couple of years with his leadership and this will only enhance it.’’
Broncos coach Bennett said there were “similarities’’ to Lockyer in a quiet manner, playing style and physical attributes which encouraged him to make Boyd captain.
“When I came to the Broncos as a five-eighth and played fullback I had that playmaking component to my game. Darius has that in his repertoire,’’ said Lockyer, who captained the Broncos in 154 games before his retirement in 2011.
“While he is also athletic, he has good hands and reads the game well. He can organise his team in front of him, which wasn’t always the fullback’s responsibility.”
Boyd admits he has been acutely uncomfortable in the public and media spotlight until he made a decision in 2015 to be more open, saying today he was ready to be the front person among Broncos players, who include ex-captain Sam Thaiday.
“If he’s willing to embrace the captaincy Darius will get a lot out of being Broncos captain in terms of developing himself as a person,’’ Lockyer said.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...r/news-story/176a6b81534e7883e174b23dde8bb80a
Lockyer, Brisbane’s most recent premiership captain in 2006, said Boyd, 29, brought the respect of his teammates and 11 years of first grade experience to the job.
Boyd, a 19-year-old member of the last Broncos team to win a grand final, was confirmed as club skipper, replacing the retired Corey Parker.
Lockyer, a member of the Broncos’ recruitment and retention committee, said he could see why Bennett thought Boyd was fully qualified to take on the high-profile role.
“Especially off the back of his performances last year when he was the Broncos best and fairest and played well for Queensland and Australia,’’ Lockyer said.
“He is a bit of a rock for that team right now. With young halves and Ben (Hunt) going next year — and who fills his boots remains to be seen — Darius gives that group stability on the field with his experience.
“Considering where he came from, when he was what he considers rock bottom at Newcastle (in 2014), he’s learned a lot about himself. He’s well respected among the group. They listen to him, that is what you want. And he’s dominant on the field.
“He’s come a long way in the last couple of years with his leadership and this will only enhance it.’’
Broncos coach Bennett said there were “similarities’’ to Lockyer in a quiet manner, playing style and physical attributes which encouraged him to make Boyd captain.
“When I came to the Broncos as a five-eighth and played fullback I had that playmaking component to my game. Darius has that in his repertoire,’’ said Lockyer, who captained the Broncos in 154 games before his retirement in 2011.
“While he is also athletic, he has good hands and reads the game well. He can organise his team in front of him, which wasn’t always the fullback’s responsibility.”
Boyd admits he has been acutely uncomfortable in the public and media spotlight until he made a decision in 2015 to be more open, saying today he was ready to be the front person among Broncos players, who include ex-captain Sam Thaiday.
“If he’s willing to embrace the captaincy Darius will get a lot out of being Broncos captain in terms of developing himself as a person,’’ Lockyer said.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...r/news-story/176a6b81534e7883e174b23dde8bb80a
