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Broncos still a lure despite horror 2020

3 minute read

Brisbane veteran Darius Boyd doesn't think the Broncos' horror 2020 campaign will damage the NRL's clubs appeal to players in the future.

DARIUS BOYD of the Broncos is tackled during the NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the Brisbane Broncos at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Australia.
DARIUS BOYD of the Broncos is tackled during the NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the Brisbane Broncos at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Australia. Picture: Tony Feder/Getty Images

Retiring Brisbane veteran Darius Boyd is confident the Broncos remain an attractive destination for NRL players despite a horror 2020.

The Broncos are enduring their worst season in the club's 32-year history, just two points off the bottom of the ladder following a run of 12 losses in their past 13 matches.

The once-mighty club has also been embroiled in a string of off-field incidents including mutiple COVID-19 protocol breaches and intense speculation over the future of coach Anthony Seibold.

It's a far cry from the club's glory days of the 1990s and 2000s when Wayne Bennett led the Broncos to six premierships and the team made finals every season from 1992 to 2009.

Boyd, who has made over 200 appearances for the Broncos across two stints at Red Hill, isn't worried the club won't be able to attract the talent it needs to get back to the top.

"Definitely, I think one year doesn't change that," he said.

"Brisbane is a one-team town. It's a great city. The Broncos have a great record. Darren Lockyer, Allan Langer, all these type of guys in and around the building.

"So it's not hard to remember and see what this club brings and means. One year of performances that aren't up to scratch or aren't what the Broncos are used to doesn't deter from 30 years of excellence."

Boyd has regained his preferred fullback position after starting the season in the centres and admits he's happier in the No.1 jersey.

With just five games left in his career, starting with Friday's match against the Sydney Roosters, the ex-Australian and Queensland representative is eager to turn around the Broncos form before he hangs up his boots.

"You always want to be successful and win, play finals and win the grand final but fairytales are very hard to do that," the two-time premiership winner said.

"I've been very lucky in my career to play all the games that I've played and do what I've done.

"I just want to enjoy these last five weeks with a smile on my face."

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