A fitting reward for Boyle
SOUTHS’ skipper David Boyle has won a second Eric Johnston Medal in his comeback season after a debilitating back injury that almost ended his career.
Boyle becomes the seventh player to win NT Rugby’s best and fairest award twice, after he first claimed the medal in 2013.
Bulging discs in his back forced the forward out of the game last year.
Boyle took on the head coach’s role at Souths and led them immediately to the 2016 premiership.
He returned to the playing roster at the start of 2017, but there were times Boyle thought he would never play again.
“I spent six weeks lying on the floor. I didn’t know whether I was going to make a full recovery,” Boyle said. “I am a player first and foremost so I was glad to put the boots back on again and play.”
Souths’ president and coach James de Dassel said Boyle thoroughly deserved the recognition.
The Bunnies finished as minor premiers before being bundled out of the play-offs in straight sets.
“He’s tough, tenacious and no frills. It’s good to see a Souths player recognised when we won 13 out of 15 (regular season matches),” he said.
“They are referee votes obviously so it shows he has those leadership qualities and he stands out. Obviously David’s work at the breakdown and in defence was great. It’s something we can take out of the year after a di disappointingpp end.”