BOYD BOWING OUT
Bronco sets retirement date
TWO months after being stripped of the Brisbane Broncos’ captaincy, Darius Boyd has decided to hang up the boots at season’s end – ending a year of speculation over the Gold Coast product’s future.
The 32-year-old is contracted until the end of 2021 but will walk away at the end of this season to take up work as a mental-health ambassador for the Broncos.
Boyd privately made the decision to retire a fortnight ago.
It will not affect his selection prospects, with the former State of Origin and Test star to start at left centre in the season opener against the Cowboys next Friday night.
The impending departure of Boyd will draw the curtain on a magnificent rugby league career.
He has played 317
NRL games, 28 Origin matches for Queensland, 23 Tests for Australia and won two premierships as well as the Clive Churchill Medal with the Dragons as best on ground in the 2010 grand final.
“I do remember the time I decided that my NRL career would end,” Boyd said as he read from a statement yesterday morning.
“I was at a dinner last month when a friend asked me if this would be my last season.
“It had been in the back of my mind, but that one question made it feel urgent. I knew right then that this would be it.
“There are more reasons why it should be my last season rather than why it shouldn’t ... (but) I have another season to give.
“My body feels great and I’m excited about the season. I’m also excited about the next chapter of my life and I will go into the next chapter so grateful for everything that has happened in my last 15 seasons in the NRL.”
Boyd took time away from the game in 2014 to check into a mental health facility. He has gone on to become a vocal ambassador for mental health issues and an advocate of support for men’s health.
“Rugby league cops a lot of criticism, but only a game like rugby league could have provided the journey I have had on and off the field,” he read.
“Rugby league helped me out in my dark times. The game provided me the support I needed as I sought to improve my mental health, and the game has provided that platform for me to tell that story to others. I will always be grateful for that.
“I will miss competing, I will miss the victories, I will miss sharing the journey with my teammates, but most of all I will miss the good wishes of the fans who make rugby league possible.
“Yes, I have copped criticism over the years, but I have received far more good wishes than bad and the support of fans has meant a lot to me.
“It is humbling to think of the person who saves every cent to buy a ticket to watch their team.
“They are the foundation of this game.”
Boyd said he was determined to have a strong season after his disappointing campaign last year.
“I know last year was tough, but I just want to play to my ability and contribute to the team this season,” he said.
“I like to pride myself on being a player that everyone wants to play with. I want to be that guy that other players think ‘I’m glad he is in the team’ each week.”