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New Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook has been impressed by prop Shannon Boyd's ability to defy a shoulder concern and push for a round one NRL berth.

Shannon Boyd has sold his runaway cows and lost about six kilograms in a bid to deliver after a disappointing first NRL season on the Gold Coast.

The former Test prop's troubles were football related last season, the 27-year-old admitting he "didn't know how much he liked it" after moving from Canberra.

Life under new coach Justin Holbrook suits Boyd though, who is back to his ideal 126kg playing weight - only this time more of it is muscle.

And things are good away from footy too, even if the son of a farmer had to sell his four heifers because they kept getting through the fence.

"It wasn't much fun getting them in and out and getting daily calls from the neighbours, I got sick of it," Boyd, who bought acreage when he arrived on the Gold Coast, said.

"But we have three horses so they keep us busy ... and two children keep you as busy as anything."

Holbrook has praised Boyd's efforts to slim down despite a niggling shoulder injury and hopes he'll be fit to play his former club in their March 13 opener.

"He's trying really hard, restricted with shoulder but one thing we all know is he's definitely still strong enough," Holbrook said.

"He's a real enforcer and I expect him to play that part for us when he gets right."

Boyd wants to add more endurance and support play to his game too, conscious that you can't survive in today's NRL on size alone.

"There's still a place for big guys in the game, it's just whether or not you can play the minutes," he said.

"If you're a big boy and damaging, you're effective as anyone if you can play the minutes.

"(Parramatta's) Junior Paulo is my size but he's quite agile, plays big minutes, passes the football.

"Players like that last a long time, so I know if I can keep adding to my game I'll be right."