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Message: [QUOTE="GCBRONCO, post: 2648336, member: 1808"] [url]http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/darius-boyd-has-given-jordan-kahu-his-seal-of-approval-as-brisbanes-next-fullback/story-fnp0lyn6-1227201257412[/url] DARIUS Boyd has given Jordan Kahu his seal of approval as Brisbane’s next fullback, declaring the often-injured talent has proven he has the mental strength to handle a critical position. Boyd last night showed how far removed he was from the abrasive personality that confused fans and media for a decade, helping launch the NRL season on Auckland’s harbour. Boyd is set to miss the first half of this season due to an achilles injury and Kahu will be given first chance at being his fullback replacement. Kahu has been training in the role almost exclusively but a formal decision will not be made until after the trials. Kahu will be Brisbane’s fifth fullback since 2013. The Broncos have used Corey Norman, Josh Hoffman, Ben Barba and Justin Hodges regularly as fullbacks in the past two seasons. Kahu is the NRL’s unluckiest player. He suffered two season-ending knee injuries in back to back pre-seasons and then was injured in the trials again last year and missed several weeks. “He has come back through so many injuries he must have a great passion and love for the game and you respect that more once you have had your own hardships,” Boyd said. “This is my first serious injury and I’m only eight weeks into it and already I have had difficult moments. “He has been through three (injuries) already and hasn’t had the chance to show his skills. “Touch wood he doesn’t get an injury again and he has real good crack at that fullback spot and show what he can do. “I know he will do a good job for us (as a fullback). “Once I get back to training I will be there to offer advice to him and have a chat if he wants.” Kahu has shown during sporadic NRL appearances that he has the playmaking and running skills to be a first grade fullback. The 24-year-old was a late call-up to the Broncos’ finals match against North Queensland last season and scored two impressive tries. The Broncos are resting him from tomorrow’s NRL Nines tournament because of his injury history. While Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett says Lachlan Maranta is still contending for the position, it is Kahu catching bombs and playing sweeper in defence at Brisbane’s training sessions. Boyd revealed he removed his moon boot this week but was still walking with a slight limp. He said he remained hopeful of playing an Origin game but it would not be the first. “I don’t want to put a timeline on it at the moment but I have a goal in my own head,” Boyd said. “I don’t want to put pressure on myself to come back because this is a serious injury. “Once I see the doctor again I might have a better idea. “I can’t imagine I would be available for the first Origin because I need to play a bit of football to press for a spot and I doubt that will happen by then.” [/QUOTE]

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