This is the thirteenth instalment of 2018 in review. As usual, now the Raiders' season is done, we are reviewing all 25 players who pulled on a green jersey in first grade in 2018. So far, we've looked at Jack Wighton, Nick Cotric, Jarrod Croker, Joey Leilua, Jordan Rapana, Blake Austin, Aidan Sezer, Sam Williams, Junior Paulo, Sia Soliola, Josh Hodgson and Siliva Havili.
Prop Shannon Boyd made 21 appearances in season 2018 - missing three matches after he suffered a calf injury in the miraculous comeback win over the Bulldogs at Belmore in Round 17. He started the season with a bang, given the opportunity as starting prop, while Junior Paulo started on the bench. But by Round 5, the roles had reversed - given a very poor performance against the Sea Eagles. He ended up making 14 appearances in the starting team, and seven off the bench.
He took man of the match honours in the first two rounds of the season in Fans' Choice voting - and again in the Round 9 victory over the Titans. I rated him an "8" in Round 1, when he made 13 runs for 146 metres gained and 16 tackles at the Gold Coast. It was a season high for running metres - but he almost matched that when the Titans visited Canberra. I again rated him an "8" in that Round 9 match. He scored one try and made 13 runs for 142 metres, five tackle breaks, two line breaks and 19 tackles. It was probably his best game of the season.
Ironically, he signed with the Titans shortly after that match - on a four year deal reportedly worth $2.4 million. In the second half of the season, his performances tailed off significantly - and to be blunt, he was another prop who played like he was in the departure lounge. I rated him an average 6/10 for his 21 games - but rated him a "5" in four games and a "4" in one in the second half of the year... from a total nine matches.
Boyd's average minutes fell slightly in 2018, from around 40 minutes to 35. His average metres (89) and tackles (20) per match were roughly in line with 2017. But his best games show he has the capability to contribute more - and play more consistently, week to week. There are many NRL props who averaged more than the 100 metres gained mark. His total runs and running metres declined - but he lifted his average metres per carry (9.6). His metres per run, however, were still outside the top 10 NRL props. He also produced a couple of memorable line breaks this year - after failing to produce one in 2017 - and lifted his tackle breaks (22 for 2018, compared with 12 in 2017).
His total tackles declined. However, he improved his tackle efficiency rate on 2017 (rising from 90 to 92 per cent) and cut his missed tackles in half. That gives him an efficiency rate that's just short of the top 10 NRL props. His error count and discipline, in terms of penalties conceded, continued to be good.
Boyd's size means he doesn't play big minutes - and it is clear the Raiders have decided that they need a more mobile pack, with forwards who can play longer minutes. Boyd was reportedly seeking a contract that reflected his status as a former Kangaroos prop - and the Titans were prepared to pay that. However, he hasn't played for Australia since the 2016 Four Nations final - and his form in the past two seasons really hasn't justified his selection. For mine, the club has made the right call in refusing to match the big dollars put on the table by the Gold Coast. It is always sad to lose a local junior, however, and I'm sure all Raiders fans will be wishing Boyd the best for his future career.
How did you rate Shannon Boyd's 2018? Tell us below.
Shannon Boyd's 2018: 5.5/10
2018 Statistics: (Stats from Fox Sports Lab)
Games: 21
Average minutes: 35
Points: 4
Tries: 1
Try assists: 0
Try contributions: 0
Total try involvements: 1
Total kicks: 0
Kick metres: 0m
Total runs: 195
All run metres: 1869
Average metres per carry: 9.6m
Average metres per game: 89m
Tackle breaks: 22
Offloads: 2
Line breaks: 2
Tackles: 421
Average tackles per game: 20
1 on 1 tackles: 13
Missed tackles: 15
Average missed tackles per game: 0.7
Tackle efficiency: 92 per cent
Try causes: 2
Errors: 5
Penalties conceded: 11
