Darius Boyd: Maroons’ surprise choice of coach shows Origin is now in a league of its own | Jack Snape
Former Queensland star Darius Boyd has been appointed head coach of the Maroons, sparking surprise because he has never held a senior coaching role. The Guardian argues the move underscores how State of Origin has evolved into a competition separate from the NRL, with selections now based more on reputation and less on traditional club‑level coaching pathways.