BLUE-chip Knights recruit Darius Boyd is excited by the challenge of succeeding at a third NRL club rather than burdened by expectations associated with being the most decorated signing in Newcastle’s history.
In his first appearance in Knights colours, Boyd had few opportunities in their 18-all draw with Penrith at Port Macquarie on Saturday night but showed his class with a long, left-to-right pass to create a try for winger Kevin Naiqama in the 22nd minute.
N aiqama was filling in for NSW and Australian star Aku Uate, who was being rested but was among the crowd of 6383. The two-time Dally M winger of the year must be jumping out of his skin at the prospect of running onto similar passes on Newcastle’s right edge.
‘‘It’s good to get a game under my belt again. I haven’t played for a couple of months now so it’s good to get a hit-out,’’ Boyd said after his first game since playing fullback in Australia’s 30-8 victory over England in the Four Nations final at Wembley on November 19.
‘‘I don’t think I had that many touches, to be honest, but I felt all right. I wasn’t over the top, it was just about getting through it and building to next week and ensuring that we’re right on track for round one.’’
Having won premierships with Wayne Bennett at the Broncos (2006) and Dragons (2010), 24-year-old Boyd is aware of the pressure on himself and his coach as they begin four-year contracts, but he appears unaffected.
‘‘I don’t really think about it, to be honest. Unless I talk to you guys, that’s when I only hear it,’’ the 2010 Churchill Medallist said.
‘‘In saying that, obviously I can see why there is a big expectation, but if we worry about everyone else’s thoughts, we’re not going to worry about what we have to do on the field.
‘‘If we do what we need to do on the field, all the rest will come.
‘‘I just want to play footy and play with a new bunch of blokes. They’re all great blokes and we’re gelling well and training hard, so now the games have come around it’s exciting times for us ...
‘‘I don’t rap myself at all, mate. I just want to play good footy and improve and be the best player I can be. I’m always just trying to do that and help the team out as much as I can.’’
Boyd had been eagerly anticipating pulling on a Newcastle jersey for the first time. Veteran hooker Danny Buderus had done that in 220 NRL games in 12 seasons at the Knights, but the trial against Penrith was the first time since tearing his biceps against North Queensland in Newcastle on August 23, 2008.
Wearing the unfamiliar No.19 jersey, the 34-year-old former Knights, NSW and Australian captain was back in blue and red after three seasons with English Super League club Leeds.
‘‘I played about 30, 35 minutes, and that was about the mark we agreed on. I got through it and am looking forward to next week now,’’ Buderus said.
‘‘It did feel a little bit weird ... but it was so comfortable.
‘‘It was awesome to be back in those colours.
‘‘I really enjoyed it.’’
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