Battling the Blues is an honest and inspiring memoir by Darius Boyd, an NRL champion player. Not only does the book celebrate his triumphs on the field but also it documents his fight to conquer his demons and live a better life.
There can be no doubt that Darius Boyd is an elite national rugby league (NRL) champion. He became a Brisbane Bronco in 2006 straight out of high school and was part of the premiership-winning team in his debut season. He’d go on to win another premiership with the Dragons in 2010 and was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal for man of the match.
He has played 28 State of Origins for Queensland and taken the field in 23 Tests for Australia. He has never played in a losing Australian team (an amazing feat). He has captained the Broncos and also won the Ron McAuliffe Medal, RLPA Player of the Year and RLPA Fullback of the Year.
However, as his talent shone on the field and his profile increased, Darius struggled. While playing footy was his escape he was hiding years of depression and unhappiness. A sequence of events finally broke him. Realising he needed help, he turned his back on football, checked into a mental health facility and began to mend his life and himself.
Now, as he heads into retirement, Darius Boyd is sharing his story and reflects on his journey from the depths of despair to a life of gratitude. In his powerful memoir he reveals how to deal with depression, overcome adversity and live with mental illness.
He uses excerpts from his personal journal to chart his journey. In Battling the Blues, Darius not only reveals the scope of his journey and struggles, but also he gives us an insight into the modern history of the Brisbane Broncos. The book reveals the key tactics that helped in his worst moments.
The transformation in Boyd, now settled and happy with wife Kayla and daughters is one he is justifiably proud of. His aim now is to get out in the community and help others and have a greater purpose than just himself and Rugby League.
Battling the Blues is worth a read.
Available in paperback and ebook.
ISBN: 9780733645723
About Darius Boyd
Queensland Rugby League champion Darius Boyd has played more than 320 NRL matches over his 15-year career, including two premierships, 28 State of Origin matches for Queensland and 23 undefeated Tests for Australia. He was captain of the Brisbane Broncos from 2017 to 2019 and, among other awards and accolades, he received the Clive Churchill Medal, the Ron McAuliffe Medal, RLPA Player of the Year, RLPA Fullback of the Year and Dally M Fullback of the Year. He lives in Queensland with his wife and young children.
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