XXXX Queensland Maroons fullback Darius Boyd has received his first Ron McAuliffe Medal following a stellar 2016 Origin series.
Boyd, who stepped into the fullback role for the first time at Origin level following a season-ending injury to Billy Slater, was announced as the recipient of the prestigious award at the Maroons’ pre-Christmas gathering on the Gold Coast on Friday.
The former Mudgeeraba junior produced a faultless performance at the back as the Maroons recorded a tenacious two-point win in the opening game.
He claimed the Players’ Player award in Game II and scored the crucial try that nearly snatched a remarkable win for Queensland in the final game at ANZ Stadium.
Other Players’ Player awards went to back-rower Matt Gillett (Game I) and captain Cameron Smith (Game III).
Billy Slater received the Peter Jackson Medal for his outstanding contribution to the Maroons’ new-look coaching team.
· State of Origin Awards
Players’ Player:
Game 1: Matt Gillett
Game II: Darius Boyd
Game III: Cameron Smith
Ron McAuliffe Medal: Darius Boyd (Maroons’ Player of the Series)
Peter Jackson Medal: Billy Slater (Outstanding Contribution)
Wally Lewis Medal: Cameron Smith (Overall Player of the Series)
