Re: [Rumour] - Broncos to sign Darius Boyd
DARIUS Boyd has agreed in principle to a $1.2 million Broncos contract as Wayne Bennett lays the final playmaking plank to match the premiership potency of Melbourne’s Big Three.
Speaking exclusively to The Courier-Mail, Bennett confirmed Boyd is on his way to Brisbane, ending months of speculation over his future next season.
Bennett is in the final stages of brokering a three-year deal to secure Boyd as a Bronco until the end of 2017.
A formal announcement is expected within days, with Boyd’s estimated $400,000-a-season contract funded largely by Bennett’s decision to jettison Josh Hoffman and Ben Barba.
On Monday, Bennett outlined his methodology behind signing Boyd, who will be deployed as a third playmaker supporting new halves pairing Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt.
The Storm have won titles on the back of star triumvirate Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk — and now Bennett has the holy trinity to make Brisbane a premiership force.
“Darius Boyd will be with us, he’s going to be our fullback,” Bennett said.
“There’s been a lot of speculation but the deal will be done in the next few days and I can move forward now.
“It’s not across the line, but it will be and I will make sure it happens.
“Darius will be great for the Broncos. He, Ben Hunt and Anthony (Milford) will be the crux of our backline.
“Darius will add to Anthony and Ben. I’m excited about what our young halves can bring and Darius is not someone with any question marks, he’s proven his ability, he’s a class player.
“If we want to play better football next season, those three need to gel.”
The Broncos have traditionally enjoyed success using a fullback sweeper who possesses the ability to chime into the backline and execute with precision on backman plays.
Last season, Brisbane looked clunky in attacking zones as Barba, and later Hoffman, struggled to find the fullback fluency provided by former custodians Darren Lockyer and Karmichael Hunt.
But with Boyd in the No.1 jumper, Bennett’s plan is falling into place.
The 27-year-old was Bennett’s fullback when he clinched the Clive Churchill Medal in the Dragons’ 2010 grand-final defeat of the Roosters.
“We need what Darius brings to take us where we need to go,” Bennett said.
“It was a great decision by the Broncos to sign Anthony Milford and Darius is the type of player we need at the back.
“Darius is a 20-game State of Origin player, he’s played numerous internationals. I’ve watched Darius develop over a long time and he will bring some real experience to the fullback role.”
Boyd has endured a recent battle with depression but his manager George Mimis said the Maroons ace is mentally ready to return to the NRL.
“Darius has made good progress since his first admission to the Northside Mental Health Clinic,” Mimis said.
“He has been very focused and working hard with his medical and support staff and more generally with his family.
“The prospect of Darius being back in Queensland will further assist him in his ongoing program. Darius is now better equipped to continue on his journey both personally and in the NRL.”
