Boyd to step aside from Origin duty

BRONCOS skipper Darius Boyd has 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 he was “done” with rep footy, and will join Maroons legends Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk on Queens- land’s list of unavailable stars.

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 second-highest Queensland try-scorer, 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 said. “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 ... coming through.”

Boyd was adamant that even if Kevin Walters called upon him for Game Two, he would not be tempted.

“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. It’s their time and I hope they do well.”