Titan Javon Andrews credits Darius Boyd after kicking Queensland to Under-19 State of Origin win
With Queensland’s under-19 Origin hopes slipping away, junior Titan Javon Andrews drew on words from Maroons great Darius Boyd to deliver the matchwinning moment and announce himself as a star on the rise.
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Junior Gold Coast Titans playmaker Javon Andrew has praised the coaching of former Maroons tryscoring ace Darius Boyd for instilling the confidence in himself to lead Queensland to victory in Thursday’s thrilling under-19 State of Origin victory.
Boyd, another Gold Coast product who became one of Queensland’s greatest Origin tryscorers, had been mentoring Tweed Mal Meninga Cup playmaker Andrews in the lead-up to Thursday.
When chief playmaker Coby Black went down injured Andrews recalled Boyd’s advice and reached within to find Queensland’s matchwinning moment.
Andrews’ pinpoint kick ahead for Prestyn Laine-Sietu brought the young Maroons within a point of the lead but the precarious sideline conversion that followed was the winner, 23-22.
Andrews said Boyd’s lessons in keeping cool were instrumental as the Baby Blues roared back to life to lead with six minutes to play - until Andrews replied with the double-kick dagger.
The young Titan was crowned player of the match.
“It was a dream come true,” Andrews said.
“The man (Boyd) is amazing. The IQ, the many years of playing NRL, Australia and Origin, he’s taught us so much. He keeps it calm for the boys, doesn’t go crazy, just keep it basic.
“It was a big loss (when Black went down injured). It was an opportunity for myself to just step up myself as the other half and I felt like I did it.”
Andrews said he felt no nerves despite carrying the weight of the state on his shoulders.
His strike swung late to clear the upright but the Tweed gun said he felt no fear watching the kick.
“You practice your whole life for it, all the extras, all the hard stuff” he said.
“I was always confident (it was going over).”
Originally published as Titan Javon Andrews credits Darius Boyd after kicking Queensland to Under-19 State of Origin win
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