Teen half Boyd bucks Broncos for Titans

Gold Coast have snagged another playmaker from NRL rivals Brisbane, with teenage halfback Tanah Boyd signing a three-year deal.

It will a homecoming for the 18-year-old Queensland underage representative, who was a product of Gold Coast rugby league nursery Keebra Park before signing with the Broncos.

Boyd, who was behind fellow young gun Tom Dearden in Brisbane’s pecking order, will join the Titans immediately and be included in the club’s elite 30-man squad.

The move adds playmaking depth at Robina while first-choice halfback Ashley Taylor remains on personal leave after missing last weekend’s defeat of the Broncos.

Toowoomba product Taylor was plucked from the Broncos in 2016, but after signing a lucrative contract extension has come under the microscope during Gold Coast’s recent struggles.

Former Melbourne half Ryley Jacks is the incumbent No.7, having combined well with Tyrone Roberts against the Broncos on Sunday.

Boyd’s move follows reports on Tuesday that sought after 16-year-old playmaker Sam Walker was set to sign with the Sydney Roosters, ahead of the Broncos.

“It is great to have one of our local juniors come home,” Titans head of performance and culture Mal Meninga said of Boyd’s arrival.

“One of the philosophies of this club is to build a strong future around local kids – players who learnt their footy on the Gold Coast, but want to represent their families, friends and the Gold Coast community as Titans.

“Tanah has had a celebrated junior career and he has obviously been on the radar of a lot of people for a while.”

Boyd will now be affiliated with Tweed Seagulls in the Intrust Super Cup after starting the season with Broncos feeder club Souths Logan.

“It is a great opportunity for me and I am really looking forward to getting started,” he said.

“To be able to come back to the Gold Coast with the Titans, after playing all of my junior footy here on the Gold Coast, is a great feeling.”

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