DO AN ALFIE

Boyd urged to channel Maroons legend in NRL return

TANAH Boyd cuts a striking similarity to Broncos legend Allan Langer and Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook has urged his new five-eighth to play like “Alfie” in his NRL return.

Boyd has been elevated to the NRL for the first time this year to replace injured Gold Coast No.6 Ash Taylor (broken hand) in Sunday’s clash against North Queensland in Townsville.

It will be Boyd’s third starting appearance in the NRL in what will be his 16th game for the Titans after being used as a bench utility last year.

Boyd was a schoolboys star, coming through the famed Keebra Park nursery on the Gold Coast alongside Queensland Origin gun and Titans teammate David Fifita.

With his blond hair and short, stocky stature, Boyd has earned visual comparisons with famous Broncos halfback Langer. Boyd came through Brisbane’s development system before joining the Titans.

Now 20, Boyd has the opportunity to play at least a few games alongside halfback Jamal Fogarty while Taylor is sidelined and Holbrook wants him to play to his strengths.

“He’s been a half coming through and that’s his preferred position,” he said.

“He’s had a great pre-season and has been itching for an opportunity. He gets one this weekend and I’m happy for him. He is a great young guy and trainer.

“His running game (is his strength), he is such a good runner of the ball.

“We’ve all seen with the fast-paced game that can be a real bonus for us.

“There’s no substitute for speed and Tanah’s got lots of it. That’s a real strength of his game and what we want.

“When you ask what we want from him, it’s to do what he does well and speed is a big part of his game.”

While Langer remains one of the game’s great playmakers, he also had a tremendous ability to sneak through opposition defences.

The Cowboys are yet to record a win after two rounds and will be missing co-captains Michael Morgan (shoulder) and Jason Taumalolo (broken hand) at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

The Titans have a golden opportunity to make it a 2-1 start to the season and Boyd has a chance to press his claims for the No.6 jersey permanently.

Taylor will miss at least three games after undergoing surgery on his hand.