Boyd winning Broncos captaincy race: Alfie

Darius Boyd has done everything required to be the front-runner in the race to become Brisbane’s new NRL captain, according to assistant coach Allan Langer.

The Broncos will have a new skipper next season following Corey Parker’s retirement, with coach Wayne Bennett likely to announce his replacement ahead of February’s Auckland Nines and World Club Challenge.

Club great Langer said the Broncos have been preparing for Parker’s departure for months, hinting fullback Boyd was the No.1 contender after showing his leadership credentials over the last year.

The Maroons and Kangaroos custodian is expected to compete for the role with hooker Andrew McCullough, forward Sam Thaiday and halfback Ben Hunt.

“Darius Boyd has really come along with his leadership, not only for Brisbane but Queensland and Australia,” Langer told AAP.

“He’s had a great season. He plays pretty much mistake-free.

“That could lead to him being front-running for the captaincy.”

Bennett has indicated Boyd is under consideration despite a rocky time early in his career which included struggles with mental health issues.

Langer said veteran playmaker Benji Marshall will also play an important leadership role after his recruitment in the off-season from St George Illwarra.

“With his experience and training with these younger guys, it hopefully that rubs off on some of those who want to strive to play first grade,” Langer said at Jack Newton Classic in the Hunter Valley on Tuesday.

“I’m sure he’s there as a bit of a back-up for Hunt and (five-eighth Anthony) Milford, but there’s a centre position there or maybe on the bench.”

Langer said locking down Hunt amid rumours of interest from rival clubs was a priority, backing the halves combination to lift the side above their semi-final exit from the competition in 2016.

“I think if the Broncos are to go forward, you’ve got to keep Milford and Hunt and just work your side around them,” he said.

“You got Darius Boyd there and Andrew McCullough, they’re your spine, so you keep them four players and work around them, and there are some great players around them.”

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