NRMA Insurance Broncos captain Darius Boyd has re-committed to the club for another four seasons.
The 30-year-old signed a new contract this morning that will keep him at Red Hill until at least the end of the 2021 season.
The dynamic fullback – who has played 136 games for the Broncos, 28 for Queensland and 23 for Australia – will look to build on a first season as captain that saw the Broncos fall just one game shy of a grand final in 2017.
Boyd said he was “grateful” to have signed the four-year contract extension with the club where he began his stellar NRL career.
“This club means so much to me,” Boyd said.
“I started my career here as an 18-year-old almost too scared to talk to my team-mates and now I’m fortunate to be captain of a club that is one of the best in Australian sport.
“These next four years are exciting. We’ve got unfinished business. The Broncos set premierships as a benchmark and our fans know that’s what we’re playing for.
“This contract really helps me on my journey beyond football. I’m passionate about good mental health practices and this contract gives me the chance to further that work through the Broncos.
“I’ve been fortunate to visit workplaces across Queensland and the country talking about my mental health journey. The cause means a lot to me and I look forward to meeting more Queenslanders through this work.”
Broncos CEO Paul White said the captain’s long-term commitment was another major boost to the club off the back of a number of big contract announcements this year.
Andrew McCullough, Anthony Milford, James Roberts, Josh McGuire, Corey Oates, Alex Glenn, Kodi Nikorima, Jordan Kahu and Joe Ofahengaue all re-signed with the Broncos in 2017, while NSW Origin representative Jack Bird has also linked with the club, and Queensland State of Origin coach Kevin Walters this week signed on as a Broncos assistant coach.
“Darius has very quickly established himself as the leader of our club, and having him commit to another four years is a major statement on his intentions to finish the job he has started as captain,” White said.
“Darius has developed his maturity and leadership qualities both on and off the field, and we are all really proud of the work he continues to do in those areas.
“We took some extra time to work together in making sure we got this contract right for him, and we believe we have achieved that.
“There are certain aspects around Darius’ work off the field in the mental health area where we have been able to help lock in some opportunities, which is a good result.
“We believe Darius has some of his best football ahead of him, and combined with his continuing growth as captain, we all have a lot to look forward to in the years ahead.”
Coach Wayne Bennett said: “It goes without saying the playing ability that Darius brings to the team but he also provides a heap of stability to the club and that shouldn’t be understated.”
