Clive Churchill medal winner Darius Boyd has reportedly agreed to terms with Brisbane, ending his lengthy NRL contract saga and continuing his association with coach Wayne Bennett.
Boyd has been heavily linked with a move away from Newcastle since Bennett formally announced his decision mid-year to return to the Broncos, who he coached from 1988 to 2008.
Bennett confirmed Boyd’s signing in an interview with News Corp, who revealed the star fullback had agreed to a three-year deal worth $1.2 million.
Boyd’s addition comes after Bennett agreed to release two other fullback options, Ben Barba and Josh Hoffman, in the past month.
Barba has been linked to Cronulla while Hoffman has signed with the Gold Coast Titans.
Boyd is expected to take over the No.1 jersey, with fellow new recruit Anthony Milford stepping into the five-eighth role where he will partner halfback Ben Hunt.
“Darius Boyd will be with us, he’s going to be our fullback,” Bennett told News Corp.
“There’s been a lot of speculation but the deal will be done in the next few days and I can move forward now.
“It’s not across the line, but it will be and I will make sure it happens.
“Darius will be great for the Broncos … (he) is not someone with any question marks. He’s proven his ability, he’s a class player.”
The 27-year-old has only ever played under Bennett at NRL level, having debuted for him at Brisbane in 2006, before following his subsequent moves to St George Illawarra, where the pair won a premiership in 2010, and later Newcastle.
Jack
Guest
I think it's a great signing if he's only at $400k a year. Can't wait till next year. This would be my team: Boyd Vidot Copely Hodges Kahu Milford Hunt Gillett Thaiday Oates Parker McCullough MacGuire Glenn Gavet Wallace/Garbutt Lowrie We probably need more props and a utility who can play hooker (Hannant and Granville are big losses)
Zantu
Guest
No one is his or her right mind can question the legacy of a 7 time premiership coach. lol
Zantu
Guest
Darius came from a broken home. He hasn't met his father yet. Bennett cant change the world, but he is doing his best to right the wrongs of someone else by showing some fatherly love to some who hasn't had a father. Anyway, Boyd is a much better fullback than Barba, Milford and Hoff. Bennett knows what he is doing.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
You do realise you're talking about the bloke who sacked wally Lewis?
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
He was on 600 at Newcastle I think. You have to remember that this figure probably doesn't include 3rd party, and that his value has probably declined after two mediocre years at Newcastle.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Kennedy alone was on a reported 500,000 a year. Hala 100,000, Hoffman I'm not sure about but I suspect anywhere between 250-300.
kevin dustby
Guest
yeah but there comes a time when he needs to stand on his own feet. bennett loves him because he can get a quality player for under the market rate
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
Agreed.
Matth
Guest
I miss Special K. He was such a great competitor
Muzz
Guest
Loved watching Karmichael Hunt play.
dallas
Guest
He is one of the best ball playing fullbacks in the comp, it is something the broncos have missed so much since karmichael hunt left, and IMO it is why the re attacking structures look so disjointed at times.
Jay C
Roar Guru
I think Boyd will be a massive coup for Brisbane. Playing a ball player role he will suppoort the young halves well. I reckon there might be some big serves of humble pie being served up here...
"Bowled Shane"
Guest
It's a fair point you make- where has the real Barber gone????... I don't think he would play too well under Bennett's structure anyway.
"Bowled Shane"
Guest
That is cheap!
chris n
Guest
A great player when he is playing well mainly around origin selection time.
scott
Guest
It's in the article, Boyd's on a 3 year 1.2 million deal. Losing the Hoff already pays for more than half of that figure, then throw in Hala and Kennedy and Boyd's salary is well and truly covered. Plus offloading Barba will liberate a some extra cash.
"Bowled Shane"
Guest
Are you saying because he won dally M, he should have been fullback for Australia that year over slater and Hayne?
"Bowled Shane"
Guest
He has cleared out a lot of players, and I reckon Boyd came cheapish
Shortfineleg
Guest
Aye
Silver Sovereign
Roar Rookie
A fantastic player who could play anywhere from 1 to 6. Great defender and well liked amongst his teammates. I like the fact he distrusts the league media. They are always looking to take something out of context or ambush someone. They always want to be in control and not want to be made to look like the incompetents that they often are. And what they do they get out of players who are more friendly to them and make themselves available more? Tired clichés and stuff you've heard a million times before. No original insights.