Tanah Boyd may have conceded the No. 9 jersey is Erin Clark's for now, but the Gold Coast whiz hasn't lost focus on being the Titans' nifty utility in the weekly 17.
Set to start with the dummy-half duties in Saturday's blockbuster against the Brisbane Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium, the 21-year-old knows this weekend's trial match is a great opportunity to prove he is the first choice to be Justin Holbrook's No. 14 when the season proper kicks off, after the Titans coach confirmed the Maori All Stars representative would start the season as the club's rake.
"Clarky has got that spot cemented and I’m kind of trying to cement that bench spot to come on and help him and bring that spark," Boyd said.
"That’s kind of the role I’m looking at, so I can’t wait to come out and show what I can do at the weekend."
Match: Titans v Broncos
Round 1 -
home Team
Titans
7th Position
away Team
Broncos
8th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
The former halfback, who has made the transition to hooker over the off-season has relished his switch to the middle third after sparking the idea with Holbrook following a taste of the role with Burleigh in last year's Queensland Cup season.
"I spoke to Justin before the season started and we kind of agreed to [the switch] together. I played a little bit there in the backend of last year for Burleigh and kind of liked it and that’s kinda where it kicked off," Boyd said.
"I wanted to get a full pre-season there [at hooker] and train there to get used to it and build combinations with the middles.
"It’s obviously a lot different. It’s taken a bit to get used to it but I'm happy it's happened.
"I’m feeling confident and enjoying it and I can’t wait to get out there on the weekend and show what I can do with the boys."
Joining Jayden Campbell, Jojo Fifita, Toby Sexton and Jaimin Jolliffe as confirmed starters for the Titans' first hit out of 2022, Boyd knows how the importance of playing well in the Macca's local derby, as the competition heats up for spots ahead of Round 1.
"It’s obviously a big opportunity for me and I’m excited to show what I can do," Boyd said.
"It's important I show the coaching staff all the work I have put in paying off.
"I’ve put a bit of weight on to take the brute of the middle and I’ve copped a bit of schtick for it, but I’ve got used to it and I’m loving it."
The former Broncos-contracted playmaker is also proud to be joining forces with his old club to raise funds for the NRL's Tonga relief campaign, with all money raised through this weekend's 50-50 charity raffle helping support the initiative.
"I think it’s unreal that we’re doing that, both clubs. Anything that can go to Tonga and support them," Boyd said.
"It was pretty devastating what happened and I’m just glad we’re doing something for that."
