Darius Boyd aims to beat Semi Radradra to Kangaroos jersey

DARIUS Boyd has thrown down the gauntlet to Semi Radradra, declaring he wants his Test jumper back after a two-year exile from the Australian team.

Brisbane Broncos player Darius Boyd during training at Red Hill. Pics Tara Croser.

MAROONS ace Darius Boyd has thrown down the gauntlet to Semi Radradra, declaring he wants his Test jumper back after a two-year exile from the Australian team.

The in-form Boyd urged new Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga not to forget about him after his ice-cool back-field class helped the Broncos sink the Titans 24-16 at Robina on Friday night.

Radradra has made his green and gold ambitions clear, submitting paperwork with the Rugby League International Federation on Thursday night seeking to renounce his ties to Fiji.

Meninga admits he is torn between Radradra’s form and poaching players from minnow nations, but amid the eligibility debate, Boyd is submitting a compelling case for Test selection.

The Brisbane custodian hasn’t donned the Australian jumper since 2014, but after his clinical dismantling of the Titans, Boyd hopes to edge out the Fijian monster for the trans-Tasman Test on May 6.

“I’d definitely like to wear the green and gold again,” said Boyd, who has made his name as a winger at Test and Origin level.

“There’s a few games to go so hopefully I can press my claims and get picked.

“There’s a lot of good wingers playing well. Semi, Josh Mansour, Josh Dugan ... there’s so many guys who have played (for Australia) before who are going well.

“I haven’t played Test football for two years and, to be honest, I got picked on reputation for a while there when I was at Newcastle.

“Whoever they pick will do a good job but I’m hoping I can keep performing well for Brisbane and see what happens.”

While James Roberts provided the early pizzazz on Friday night, it was Boyd’s consistent class and ice-cool composure which buried the Titans.

The former Clive Churchill Medallist tallied 169 running metres, set up a try for Jordan Kahu and managed four tackle breaks to continue his impressive start to the season.

Meninga will find it hard to resist Radradra’s raw power against a physical New Zealand side, but Boyd insists he has never failed in Queensland and Kangaroos teams.

“I’ve always done the job at rep level,” said Boyd, a veteran of 17 Tests and 23 Origin games.

“I wasn’t at my best in Newcastle (his former club).

“I was in and out of games. I’d play well in some games and in others I wasn’t at my best. I did the job before for Queensland and Australia and got picked when other guys probably deserved my spot.

“But I’ve been safe and I’ve been happy with how I’ve gone at rep level. I haven’t been there for Australia for two years so it’s all about trying to get that spot again.”

Boyd is hoping he can make the Kangaroos, on form rather than reputation.

Broncos coach Wayne Bennett believes Boyd should be Queensland’s fullback ahead of Greg Inglis but the man himself believes he is virtually no hope of clinching the Maroons’ No.1 jumper.

“I wouldn’t say no that’s for sure, but I think ‘GI’ pretty much has a mortgage on that spot,” Boyd said.

“The way he played last year and he’s been there before. Just his size and dominance bringing the ball back in Origin is key. If I got the job, I wouldn’t say no and I’d be very proud.

“But GI is such a great presence. He’s probably our best centre and our best fullback. He can’t play both positions so we’ll wait and see what the selectors do I guess.”