The State of Origin door is still open to Darius Boyd after Queensland coach Kevin Walters dismissed speculation the veteran brushed a chance to be in the Maroons camp in order to take a family holiday.
After initially overlooking Boyd for game one, it was reported Walters asked the 28 Origin veteran to still go into Maroons camp and train to cover for injury concern Billy Slater ahead of Wednesday's Origin opener.
There was speculation Boyd respectfully declined the request in order to take a break.
With Boyd on holiday in New Zealand, Walters called in Brisbane's Anthony Milford and Newcastle's Kalyn Ponga as cover after Slater made a shock withdrawal with a hamstring injury on Monday.
But Walters insisted Boyd was not picked because he had failed to regain top form since a pre-season hamstring injury but would be considered in future.
"I have spoken to Darius about that. We just don't think Darius is quite at the level he knows he should be," he said.
"Certainly if Darius can get back up to the player he has been for Queensland, he will get back into this side.
"I did see a bit of talk about him going on holidays. It's nothing to do with that.
"Darius is a great member of this Origin family.
"He just needs to pick up his act in a few little areas and get back to the Darius Boyd we know, then he will be back in the side."
For the record, Milford got the nod over 20-year-old Ponga as Queensland's new bench utility with Michael Morgan slotted in at fullback for the injured Slater.
Share
