Darius Boyd’s Maroons wing move could blunt attacking game

BILLY Slater’s expected return for Queensland will push Darius Boyd to the wing in a move that could disrupt the Broncos star’s usual attacking game.

Darius Boyd could be switched to the wing for the Maroons. Picture: Peter Wallis

DARIUS Boyd is ready to shift to the wing for Queensland, but is unsure what it means for his attacking game ahead of next week’s series opener.

From the No. 1 jersey, Boyd has proven to be a major playmaker for the Broncos, Queensland and Australia from the back.

But with Billy Slater expected to be handed the fullback position for the Maroons when the team is announced on Monday, Boyd will go to the wing in a move that could disrupt his usual attacking game.

Boyd said he had not yet spoken to Queensland coach Kevin Walters about what the change could mean for him.

“It’s a hard one,” Boyd said.

“I’ll have to see what Kevvie’s thinking and if that (Boyd’s usual attacking style) is what he’s after than I’m more than happy to do that.

“If not, I’ve played plenty of games on the wing before so I know my role. It’s just about getting back into the swing of things.”

Darius Boyd could be switched to the wing for the Maroons. Picture: Peter Wallis

Boyd’s club coach Wayne Bennett said on Friday night that the Brisbane No. 1’s ability to set up tries is exactly why he should be picked ahead of Slater for the fullback spot.

“You only have to go back to last year’s series to see the tries Darius set up in really tight situations in tight games,” Bennett said.

“He does it better than anybody else, that particular pattern of play.

“That is the difference in the modern game between winning and losing — the ability to come from the back the way Darius does.”

Billy Slater is expected to be handed the fullback position for the Maroons. Picture: Peter Wallis

But while Boyd was humbled by the comments, he said he would do whatever Walters wants when it came to the Game One showdown with NSW.

“It’s always very humbling to hear kind words and I respect Wayne, that’s why I’ve played under him my whole career,” he said.

“I’m happy with how I play and what I do and what I bring to any team I play in. Billy is a legend of the game and we have different games.

“But it’s Kevvie’s decision and I’m happy with whichever way he goes.”