For Newcastle Knights fullback Darius Boyd, his 200th NRL game will be a milestone in his career he will always treasure.
The Australian and Queensland representative become the fourth youngest player to reach the 200-game milestone when the Knights faced the Wests Tigers on Sunday at Hunter Stadium.
“It’s something to cherish,” Boyd reflected after the game.
“When I retire it’s something that I’ll be pretty happy with.
"Obviously we were just trying to get a win for the Knights, which has been tough.
“We were a bit better today, and we just have to keep working hard."
Only 270 players in rugby league history have racked up 200 appearances, a feat made even more impressive by the fact Boyd is just 26-years-old.
“Touch wood, I’ve been very, very lucky to keep injury free, so hopefully I can keep that up," he added.
“I’ve been very lucky and have played with some really good players so fingers crossed it can continue."
Despite the loss, Boyd didn’t disappoint, putting on a shining performance at Hunter Stadium.
The fullback’s charging break early in the second half provided the team the opportunity to put fly winger, Aku Uate across the line a second time in the game.
It was an occasion for celebrating records with Uate cementing himself as the highest try scorer of all time for the Knights after his second try for the match saw him surpass Timana Tahu’s record of 91.
“It’s awesome for Aku, he’s really loved around the Club,” Boyd said.
“I love him personally as well. He’s a really great person and he’s a great player as well.
“He deserves that because I suppose it’s been a tough year, so it’s good to see him playing strong and get a couple of tries today.”
Despite the disappointment of being overpowered by the Tigers and the agonisingly close score line, Boyd insists the team has the talent and effort to come up with a win.
‘It’s frustrating in different stages," he said.
“It just hasn’t looked at going our way.
“We have been a bit unlucky in areas, so we need to keep working hard.
“It’s been tough for a few different reasons, but we can’t worry about that too much.
“We just need to go out there and put in good performances.
“We’ve been there and sometimes we haven’t, that’s the most frustrating thing.
“We know we have the team to do it.
“We just need to keep working hard and I’m sure it will change."
Boyd celebrates another achievement this week after retaining his position in Queensland State of Origin team for game two of the series.
