Tanah Boyd will wear the No.7 jersey for the Warriors this Sunday, stepping up for his NRL return after Luke Metcalf’s season-ending injury, and coach Andrew Webster couldn’t be more confident in the new man at the wheel.
Boyd, who joined the Warriors from the Titans ahead of the season, has been instrumental in the club’s NSW Cup winning streak.
Now, he’s been handed control of the side's attack as the Warriors aim to bounce back against Wests Tigers at Go Media Stadium.
“He's a competitor. He talks; talks, talks and talks,” Webster said. “He's a team guy … hasn't played one game for us (yet) and probably been one of the best culturally in our club this year, so he deserves his opportunity.”
MORE: Storm star ruled out of round 19 Knights clash
New playmaker to lead reshaped Warriors spine
With Boyd slotting in at halfback and Taine Tuaupiki covering fullback duties for the injured Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, the Warriors’ spine looks different, but far from unsettled.
Boyd’s organisational strengths and strong kicking game have already impressed senior teammates.
“He just directs teams around, and he's going to give us good direction this week,” said hooker Wayde Egan. “He's a natural halfback... a game manager.”
While Metcalf's pace and off-the-cuff spark will be missed, the systems in place mean Boyd doesn’t need to reinvent anything; just execute his way.
“Every number 7's got to have the keys to the team... the keys are in the way he does it,” Webster said. “He drives a car different.”
With Dallin Watene-Zelezniak also returning early from injury and all three of the Warriors’ major sides in action at home, Sunday promises to be a landmark day at Go Media Stadium.