BRISBANE captain Darius Boyd would happily play out his NRL career in the centres if that’s what would help the team achieve success.
And Broncos legend Gorden Tallis reckons coach Wayne Bennett has found a winning formula with the backline reshuffle that sparked last week’s big win over Penrith.
Bennett sprung a selection surprise the day before the 50-18 victory, moving Boyd from fullback to left centre and replacing him at the back with young gun Jamayne Isaako.
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It worked wonders, with Boyd’s presence steeling up Brisbane’s left-edge defence and Isaako starring in the No.1 jersey.
Bennett said the arrangement wasn’t permanent, but it will be in place for at least one more match – Thursday night’s clash with Cronulla at Suncorp Stadium. Tallis said he would have done it weeks ago.
“I would have moved (Boyd) in a lot earlier because I think he needs to get closer to the ball,” he told reporters at Fox League’s retro round launch on Tuesday.
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“Darius is that good he can play any position.
“Issako has grown week-in, week-out, his kicking’s unbelievable.
“I thought he was really good to fill Darius’s shoes and not look out of place against (James) Maloney and (Nathan) Cleary who have a great kicking game.
“If he keeps on playing the way he does, the position’s his.
“I thought it was Brisbane’s best performance in a long time.”
Boyd reckoned it brought the best out of Anthony Milford and Kodi Nikorima too, admitting he “talks too much” at fullback and that the playmakers were able to run things their own way without his voice ringing in their ears.
The 31-year-old also believed a full-time switch to the centres could help extend his NRL career.
“Fullback’s my best position but I’m really happy wherever to be honest,” Boyd said.
“The Broncos have given me a lot, I owe them a lot, I’m very grateful to be at this club and finish my career here.
“Whatever it takes to be successful I’m happy with.”
FOX LEAGUE has partnered with the NRL and clubs to give rugby league fans the chance to attend NRL games at reduced prices this weekend. Fans can redeem the offer by logging on to nrl.com/tickets and entering the code word ‘retro’ from midnight Monday July 23 to midnight Tuesday July 24 for Sydney and Melbourne games, and midnight Wednesday July 25 for Queensland games.
