By Cara Kemp
Former NRL player Shannon Boyd has taken on a new role as assistant coach for the Canowindra Tigers, bringing his wealth of professional rugby league experience to the local team.
Boyd, who played as a prop for the Canberra Raiders and Gold Coast Titans in the NRL and represented Australia at the international level, is excited to be part of the Tigers' coaching staff alongside head coach Ron Lawrence.
Boyd's decision to join the Canowindra Tigers was heavily influenced by friends and colleagues who encouraged him to get involved.
While he initially joined the team as a player, he soon stepped into a co-coaching role, focusing on player drills and skill development rather than the organisational aspects of coaching.
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He acknowledges that while his transition to coaching has been an adjustment, he is looking forward to contributing to the team’s development and mateship.
“I wouldn't say I'm the biggest talker when it comes to coaching,” Boyd said.
“Ron is really good at the talking and organizing side of things, and I'm more about leading through action,
“Hopefully, as I get more comfortable with the players and get to know them better, I’ll be able to share more of my experience and help them improve their game.”
One of the highlights of Boyd’s return to the rugby league community is the opportunity to play alongside his brother, Lachlan ‘Locky’, who is making a comeback to the sport after a six-year break.
The chance to share the field with his brother was a significant factor in his decision to join the Tigers.
“It’ll be a bit of fun to play with Locky,
“That was definitely another big reason I signed up,” Boyd said.
Having grown up playing junior rugby league in Cowra, Boyd now lives just 10 kilometers outside Canowindra and feels a strong connection to the local rugby league scene.
He has been particularly impressed by the Canowindra Tigers' welcoming and family-oriented atmosphere, which played a major role in his decision to join the club.
“It’s a really good club,” he said.
“Everyone pitches in, helps out, and gets along well,
“That sense of community is what drew me to Canowindra,” Boyd said.
Boyd is also extending an open invitation to anyone interested in joining the Tigers, emphasizing that experience is not a prerequisite.
“If you’re keen to get down and have a game of footy, we’ve still got plenty of spots available,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter what you’ve done before,
“If you want to have a run, just come down to training on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 pm and give it a go,” Boyd said.
With Boyd’s experience and passion for the game, the Canowindra Tigers are set to benefit from his knowledge and leadership as they prepare for the upcoming season.
