Arabic version: تعيين داريوس بويد مدرباً لكوينزلاند في «ستيت أوف أوريجن»

According to ABC News, Darius Boyd has been named Queensland’s new State of Origin coach on a two-year deal, following Billy Slater’s exit from the Maroons role last month after five years in charge.

Boyd, 39, represented Queensland 28 times between 2008 and 2017, scoring 17 tries. He is second on the Maroons’ all-time tryscorers list behind Greg Inglis.

“It’s a privileged position, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” Boyd said. “I understand the responsibility that comes with the role as well. My job is to build on the legacy created by the many great Queensland players and coaches who have come before us.”

Since retiring as a player at the end of 2020, Boyd has coached Queensland’s under-19 team to consecutive series wins over NSW. He has no prior NRL head coaching experience, but has worked as an assistant under Kevin Walters at the Broncos.

Queensland Rugby League chair Brian Canavan said Boyd had “lived and breathed what it means to represent Queensland” and had developed as a coach and leader since retirement. Slater won three Origin series in five years as Queensland coach.