It's hard to believe 2005 was Darius Boyd's first year in top grade, such was the aplomb with which he has handled himself among the game's elite.

Boyd made his debut with the Brisbane Broncos and was a mainstay of their all-star backline, appearing in 27 games and scoring 11 tries in his first year of NRL football.

Rarely, if ever, did he look out of place, be it playing on the wing or at fullback. At times it was hard to believe Boyd was still a teenager.

The talented former Australian Schoolboy continued his rise in the NRL during the 2006 season which ended with a Grand Final victory with the Brisbane Broncos side.

An established member of the Brisbane backline in 2007, his next major challenge was representative football. He had all the hallmarks of a State of Origin and Test player and his talents were recognised in 2008 when he made his State of Origin debut for Queensland and was selected to play for Australia in the Rugby League World Cup.

At the end of the season, Boyd announced his decision to follow Coach Wayne Bennett to the St George Illawarra Dragons on a three year deal which will see him at the Club until at least 2011.

Darius Boyd is sure to cement his standing as one of the elite up and coming players in the NRL during 2009 and this try scoring speedster will be a player to watch.