{
  "id": 5247969,
  "title": "Breaking: Maroons unveil Boyd as Origin coach on two-year deal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/breaking-maroons-unveil-boyd-as-origin-coach-on-two-year-deal-5247969",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-03T04:37:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News",
    "slug": "abc-news",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-03/darius-boyd-queensland-maroons-coach-state-of-origin/107112298"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Queensland rugby league great Darius Boyd has been announced as the next coach of the State of Origin Maroons, following the departure of Billy Slater after a five-year tenure. Boyd, a former Maroons player who represented the team 28 times in the prestigious series, has signed a two-year contract with the club. Since hanging up his boots at the end of 2020, Boyd has guided Queensland's under-19 squad to back-to-back victories over New South Wales. The 35-year-old expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity, calling it a \"privileged position\" and emphasising the responsibility that comes with the role. In his new position, Boyd aims to build upon the legacy of Queensland's illustrious players and coaches who came before him. The Queensland Rugby League (QRL) chair, Brian Canavan, praised Boyd's pedigree as a player and his recent development as a coach and leader. Canavan highlighted Boyd's strong relationships with players and staff, his respect within the pathways system, and his commitment to nurturing young talent. Boyd's appointment reflects the QRL's confidence in his ability to uphold the Maroons' culture, history, and standards of excellence.",
  "summary": "Former Maroons Origin mainstay Darius Boyd is named as Queensland's successor to Billy Slater.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "Breaking: Maroons unveil Boyd as Origin coach on two-year deal",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/breaking-maroons-unveil-boyd-as-origin-coach-on-two-year-deal",
        "published": "2026-09-03T04:37:36.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}