I'm definitely ready: Why Boyd's embracing fullback return

Darius Boyd is "definitely ready" to make a successful return to his best and favourite position for the Broncos on Friday night.

The 33-year-old has not played fullback since round 16 last year but said his communication skills, fitness and desire to make a positive difference had him primed to do well against the Sharks.

An AC joint injury to Brodie Croft has sent Anthony Milford back to the halves and cleared the way for Boyd to play fullback after spending the season in the centres.

He has looked sharp at training this week in his return to the role which is no surprise considering he has played most of his 328-game club career, including the 2010 grand final win with the Dragons, in the No.1 jersey.

"It is my best position and my favourite position," Boyd told NRL.com.

"I’m enjoying [training back at fullback]. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t.

"Centre is just a different game, a lot less involvements and a lot less work. At fullback you are asked to do a lot more and you are a key part of how the team performs and runs."

And running the team, particularly after what has been a leaky defensive line for Brisbane, is one of Boyd’s best assets.

"I didn’t talk as a kid very much and I think it something you grow into as you grow older and more experienced, where you learn what is required," he said.

"That is where our team is at the moment. They are all learning their tools, craft and parts of their game where they can improve and talking is one part you learn over time.

"It probably is one of my best attributes late in my career and with the young team we have got I think I can be really beneficial in attack and defence with my communication."

Boyd is one of the club's fittest players so the extra running will suit him.

"I always prepare the same each and every year. I train hard. I am competitive and try and be the best I can be," he said.

"That didn’t change this pre-season when I was told I was going to be play centre. I got myself in really good shape.

"There will be more running and more involvements this week and I am definitely ready for it."

Broncos coach Anthony Seibold has given Boyd his own vote of confidence after praising his defensive work at left centre.

"This week with Brodie being out I wanted to move Milly back to six and Darius has played the far bulk of his career at fullback," Seibold said.

"He is a quality player and understands the role really well. I am sure he won’t miss a beat there."

Last year a 24-22 away win over Cronulla in round 15 kick-started a late season resurgence for the Broncos.

The best-case scenario for the Broncos and Boyd is he plays well against the Sharks and he gets to stay at fullback for the rest of the year.

"That is what you want. You want to play in your favourite position and help the team be successful," Boyd said.

"If me playing fullback is going to help the team play better then hopefully that is going to start on Friday night.

"We haven’t had some good performances this year, definitely, but we have had some decent ones and things have gone against us and we haven’t been able to get over the line.

"Last year we had a poor start and turned the season around. All we can do is try and put in a good performance against Cronulla.

"The key for us, to build some confidence, will be to start well, score first and go forward with it."