Darius Boyd turned down the chance to say goodbye to Queensland in State of Origin III
THE chance to play a dead rubber at this stage of the season isn’t that attractive but what about the chance to say goodbye to Queensland fans? Either way, Darius Boyd didn’t take up Maroons coach Kevin Walters’ offer for Origin III.
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DARIUS Boyd rejected the opportunity for a Maroons farewell after Queensland coach Kevin Walters sounded out the Broncos skipper for an Origin III swan song.
The Courier-Mail can reveal Walters spoke to Boyd about the prospect of replacing injured captain Greg Inglis in last week’s Suncorp Stadium dead-rubber.
Boyd, 31, announced his representative retirement on Tuesday following a 28-game Maroons career after being overlooked by Walters for Origin I.
And he spurned the opportunity for a Brisbane farewell after Inglis suffered a broken hand on the eve of selection.
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“He said something about it,” Boyd said when asked if Walters sounded him out.
“I was comfortable with my decision so I didn’t feel the need to come back and play in that game.
“I retired because I was very grateful for everything I’d been able to achieve in the Queensland jumper.
“I played 28 games, won a lot of series and met a lot of great people. I’ve been part of that team for 10 years and have a lot to be proud of.
“I’m proud of it now but when I’m all said and done, I’ll be very proud of what I’ve been able to achieve.”
Walters ultimately shifted Dane Gagai from the wing to Inglis’ left centre berth and recalled Broncos winger Corey Oates as Queensland won 18-12.
Walters, in Perth to promote next year’s second game of the series at the new Optus Stadium, confirmed he spoke to Boyd.
“Out of respect more than anything,” Walters said. “I hadn’t really spoken to him in any detail about his retirement.
“We were always going to look to the future being Game Three.
“Giving Dane Gagai an opportunity at left centre … he’s an Origin player and he certainly showed that in Game Three.
“Darius has been a great Queenslander and I rang him out of respect more than anything else to confirm he was finished, and he confirmed that to us.”
The Maroons will kick off next year’s series at Suncorp Stadium in Game One before heading to Perth as they attempt to reclaim the shield.
“It’s going to be a great atmosphere,” Walters said of Optus Stadium.
“It’s got a really positive vibe about it and will be an awesome experience.
“Everyone enjoyed the performance from our guys (in Game Three), so the key will be to back that up in Game One.
“We’ve lost the opening game in our last two series. That will be a key focus for us.”
Originally published as Darius Boyd turned down the chance to say goodbye to Queensland in State of Origin III