No wonder NSW can’t crack the Greg Inglis-Darius Boyd left-edge dominance in State of Origin.
The key to their uncanny understanding is as unlikely as a Blues right-side winger playing consecutive Origin games.
Boyd once infamously held a 30-word press conference and makes media-shy supercoach Wayne Bennett appear chatty, yet Inglis believes Boyd’s communication skills have helped lay the platform for Origin’s most devastating try-scoring combination.
Inglis – who already tops Origin’s try-scoring list with 15 in 20 games – poses a huge problem for NSW ahead of Wednesday’s State of Origin decider.
However, Boyd appears to be the real enigma in the Queensland side after Inglis provided a rare insight into what makes the notoriously shy winger tick.
Asked what he liked best about Boyd’s game, Inglis said on Thursday: “There are a lot of things that people don’t see.
“Even though he doesn’t talk to the media a lot he is a very good talker on the field.”
Boyd may be misunderstood but he does not plan on changing that perception any time soon.
Boyd has again been shielded from the media in the lead-up to Origin III.
There would be plenty of positives to talk about – his game two double took him to equal second on the Origin try scoring charts with 12 in just 16 games.
But Inglis said on Thursday: “I don’t think he wants people to know the Darius that I know.
“In saying that I know the reasons why he doesn’t want to speak to the media.
“On a personal level he is a terrific guy.
“On the footy field he is a very different person that you see away from it.”
The carnage caused by Inglis is seen as the reason the fifth different NSW winger will line up against Boyd in as many games next week.
James McManus’ injection marks the 17th centre-wing combination the Blues will use in a bid to stop him.
Maroons coach Mal Meninga made no secret that they exploited NSW’s fixation with Inglis in attack.
“They would be silly to take their eyes off him. So we in turn can use Greg as a decoy, and he becomes an attacking weapon for us without even touching the ball and we use that deliberately to our advantage,” he said.
But Inglis believed Boyd was not receiving enough credit.
“People kind of forget the winger,” he said.
“(But) I have been lucky enough to have him finish those moves off. It’s great to have him outside me.
“”He does have a lot of speed and upper body strength, people underestimate him, he’s deceptive (his strength), that helps him I know he will get the job done.”
Damn Straight
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the heads up bigjohn, I had no idea what a winger does. Any other pearls of wisdom?
Bigjohn
Guest
I listened to some women on ABC Grandstand whining about Boyd not talking to the media. Typical females, getting upset because a bloke will not share his feelings.
Bigjohn
Guest
Pretty sure that is exactly what a winger does, scores tries as the result of the hard work done by others.
Damn Straight
Roar Rookie
Totally agree...he's one of the most over rated players in the NRL and origin. As I have said in a previous post somewhere, with the quality of ball provided to him and the space provided by Inglis, I could run in those tries.
peeeko
Roar Guru
most of his tries he doesnt even need to break a tackle. he is a good player still
Doggie
Guest
Oikee, Sam Thaiday scored the first try in Origin II. You don't really need to think back that far...
The eye
Guest
Wish the Knights fans could say the same thing,Mr Nobody up there.
maximillian
Guest
thats part of it but but inside him is Smith/Thurston/Inglis. Hes at the end of 3 of the top 5 players in the game & at least 1 future immortal. Would he be as good on the wing for NSW? I doubt it. The superstars inside Boyd make him look like the best winger in the game when in all reality, hes not as good as B Morris or Hayne IMO.
oikee
Guest
I dont think you understand how tough it is to score tries in Origin Peeko, to get a understanding, can you remember or tell me the last Forward who scored a try. ? It is really a hard thing to do. That is why Boydy and Inglis are invaluable to this team.
peeeko
Roar Guru
It's all inglis and thurston, Boyd is decent but is the lucky recipient of thurstons passing and inglis running and ability to attract many defenders
Johnno
Guest
Boyd very much a big game player and a huge asset to Qld
Zaccaaa
Guest
I would reject the media :D
oikee
Guest
Boyd remind's me of the Leeds Rhinos winger, Ryan Hall. Both very powerful and just seem to get the job done without fuss. I dont think Boydy likes fuss, or media for that matter. Maybe he does not want them getting to close and personal, some poeple reject media attention. What i have enjoyed about Boydy over the years, the fact he can shift from Fullback to the wing with little disruption to the team, as a matter of fact he improves the chances of catching the ball and bringing it back. Inglis seems to have a perfect relationship with him on the Wing, he is always their, always running onto a ball at the right time, never lets him down. We, queensland are lucky to have him and tate. I cant believe how well all our backline have been over the last 5 years. Could be close to the end, rumors are Hodgo and Tater and retiring from rep footy next year. What a ride, amazing ride.