Maroons rocked again as Darius Boyd quits representative football
THE hits keep coming for Kevin Walters and the under-siege Maroons, with Darius Boyd ruling himself out of a potential State of Origin recall.
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BRONCOS skipper Darius Boyd has sensationally quit representative football, ruling himself out of a potential recall for Queensland in State of Origin II.
In another selection bombshell for the under-siege Maroons, Boyd revealed to The Courier-Mail that he was “done” with rep footy, and will join State of Origin legends Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk on Queensland’s list of unavailable stars.
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Boyd’s decision comes two weeks after he was overlooked for a spot in the Maroons team for Origin I, the first time he has been omitted from the side on form since he made his debut in Game Two of 2008.
The long-serving Queensland and Australian back made the revelation after Brisbane’s loss to Melbourne on Sunday.
After 28 Origin games, plus the record of the being second-highest Queensland try-scorer of all-time, Boyd said he had nothing left to prove and wanted to make way for rising stars like Kalyn Ponga and Corey Oates.
“My time’s done in rep footy,” he told The Courier-Mail.
“I’ve had a great career. I have nothing to be disappointed about. I’m really happy with everything I’ve achieved in the rep arena.
“I don’t think I have anything more to prove. It’s time for the younger fellas coming in. They have great players, really quality guys coming through.”
Boyd was in the frame for a Game Two recall, with fullback Billy Slater still in doubt with the hamstring injury that ruled him out of Queensland’s 22-12 loss at the MCG.
The Broncos captain seemed to be pushing his case for Maroon recall with a polished first-half performance against the Storm on Sunday, but the 30-year-old was unable to back it up in a disappointing second stanza as the entire Brisbane team faded.
Boyd confirmed that Queensland coach Kevin Walters had told him ahead of Origin I he was not selected due to his form, but said his efforts in the first 40 minutes on Sunday were not about impressing the Maroons mentor.
He was adamant that even if Walters called upon him for Game Two, he would not be tempted to budge on his current stance so others could get their chance.
“For me it’s best to step aside and let the young guys go,” he said.
“Corey Oates isn’t even in the (Queensland) team, Kalyn Ponga … they already have Val (Holmes) and (Dane Gagai) there as well. It’s their time and I really hope they do well.
“It’s their time to shine, and do their thing and keep the dominance Queensland has had so long.”
Boyd said the most important part of his decision was also about being able to focus purely on the Broncos.
Brisbane are sitting in eighth place on the ladder, but have struggled to find consistency this season and were blasted by coach Wayne Bennett for their second-half fade out on Sunday.
As the captain, Boyd said he took a lot of responsibility for that form and he had to get back to his best if the Broncos were to push for this year’s finals campaign.
“I just need to play really well for the Broncos,” he said.
“The first half (against Melbourne) I was definitely happy, but the second half I thought I was pretty poor.
“It’s something I need to get better at — making sure I’m playing the full 80 and really helping the team towards the win.
“I have to play my role for the Broncos. If I can continue that first-half performance and do it for a full 80, I’ll be happy.”
Tevita Pangai Jr escaped a charge for dangerous contact for a tackle on Nelson Asofa-Solomona late in Sunday’s loss.
The only charge to come out of the clash was a $1100 fine for Josh McGuire for contrary conduct on Tim Glasby.
Originally published as Maroons rocked again as Darius Boyd quits representative football