Losing your starting halfback to injury in the NRL is a recipe to derail your season, but Warriors coach Andrew Webster is confident that won’t happen to his side.
After Luke Metcalf’s season-ending ACL injury, Webster has handed the keys to Tanah Boyd in a bid to steer the clubto the promised land with nine games remaining in the regular season.
The 24-year-old will make his club debut in the No 7 jersey in Sunday’s clash against the Wests Tigers in front of a sold-out crowd.
Coming off back-to-back losses, the pressure is on, but Webster has complete faith after watching Boyd lead the Warriors’ reserve side to the top of the New South Wales Cup table.
This isn’t his first rodeo either, having played 69 NRL games at the Gold Coast Titans between 2019-24.
Webster admits they considered moving Te Maire Martin into halfback but felt the 29-year-old offered better value as a bench utility, while Boyd would bring more stability to the starting side, being more of an organising half, who will also likely take over goalkicking duties.
Webster also recalls clearly last season when Boyd kicked the Warriors to death during an Anzac Day clash, which ended in a 27-24 win to the Titans.
On the field, the halfback and hooker play a crucial role in guiding the team, and Boyd’s connection with Wayde Egan will be key to the Warriors’ success over the remaining nine rounds.
Tanah Boyd fronts his first Warriors media conference. Photo / Photosport
Although Boyd brings a different style, Egan says little will change.
“He just directs teams around, and he’s going to give us good direction,” Egan said.
“He’s used his voice really well at training and has a great kicking game, as you’ve seen throughout the year.
“He’s been doing a great job in the New South Wales Cup, and honestly, he’s a great talker and leader. I know he’ll do a great job.”
Meanwhile, Webster has cited intense rehab as the reason for winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s overcoming his ankle injury three weeks earlier than expected. Predictions were that it would keep him sidelined through to round 22.
He still faces a few hurdles before he can be cleared to play, but Webster expects him to suit up against Wests.
