Walters keeps mum on Boyd backline start

Queensland coach Kevin Walters is reportedly considering switching Darius Boyd to the centres for their must win State of Origin game two clash in Sydney.

Darius Boyd during Queensland State of Origin team training

Queensland coach Kevin Walters is reportedly considering switching Darius Boyd to the centres. (AAP)

State of Origin wouldn't be complete without mind games.

And Queensland coach Kevin Walters was quick to oblige after announcing his game two squad in alphabetical order.

It appears the cloak and dagger tactics won't end there with the Maroons reportedly planning to blood Darius Boyd in the centres, in June 21's Origin II in Sydney.

Walters kept NSW guessing with his unusual team announcement after wielding the axe, announcing seven changes and four debutants.

Veteran fullback Billy Slater's return had expected to push Boyd to the wing but News Corp reports the ex-Maroons No.1 will start at left centre, opposing Josh Dugan.

Asked why he had announced the team in alphabetical order, Walters said: "I had trouble at school with the alphabet - I think I got it right today.

"We will sort that (team line-up) out when we get into camp."

Boyd last played in the centres back in April 2009 for NRL club Brisbane and has not played in the position in his 27 Origin career.

Asked if he was considering Boyd at centre, Walters said: "I am still getting my head around the alphabet. We will work that out later."

Boyd had played the majority of his Origin career on the left wing before emerging as the game's premier fullback last year while Slater was sidelined after a second shoulder reconstruction.

Now Slater is back after being controversially snubbed for game one, Walters is keen to keep the Blues on their toes over where Boyd will feature in a new-look backline.

He certainly didn't give away too much when pressed on where Boyd would play in Sydney.

"We will work that out in the next couple of days," Walters said.

"We picked the best 17 for Queensland and in the next few days we will figure out where he will play."

Walters did give away one detail on Boyd's starting position.

"I don't expect him in the forwards anywhere," he smiled.


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Source: AAP



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