Words by Tom Connor

As if Australia didn’t have enough talented Openside Flankers at their disposal, they now have one more.

Boyd Killingworth has been one of the standout performers for the North Harbour Rays this year, pressing his claim as one of the premier on-ballers in the competition.

Growing up in Newport on Sydney’s northern beaches, Killingworth has progressed through the same development pathway that has produced world class fetchers George Smith and Michael Hooper.

“Like most aspiring rugby players at the time my favourite player was George Smith.

“Watching the way he played the game was something I tried to replicate on Saturday mornings” Killingworth said.

A menace on the ball who is just as capable in attack, it comes as no surprise to hear people comparing Killingworth to Smith, although there is one difference that counts for a hell-of-a lot in those parts of town – the colour of the jersey.

“I played my first year with the Warringah Rats in U10s, so I’ve been wearing the green and white hoops for 13 years now.

“During that time I’ve played a bit of No.8 and even had a stint at Fly-half, but that only lasted a season” Killingworth laughs.

While the Marlins and the Rats may have put their fierce rivalry on hold for the duration of the NRC, you can be sure it’ll be back to business as usual when the Shute Shield rolls round next year.

An Australian Schoolboys representative in 2010, Killingworth took what he describes as a two year sabbatical from the northern beaches, travelling to Parramatta where he was a boarder at The Kings School.

“I was playing for Combined Catholic Colleges in U16’s and I was keen to further my rugby career during high school.

“I got accepted in to The Kings School so I decided to board there for years 11 and 12” Killingworth said.

The decision paid dividends, as Killingworth made the drive back over the harbour with a 1st XV GPS rugby title and NSW and Australian Schoolboy honours to his name.

Back at home playing for the Rats it wasn’t long before he made the number seven jersey his own, quickly informing the coaches he wore an XXL before asking what time the gym was open until.

Balancing out his rugby with his studies at the University of Technology Sydney, Killingworth graduated with a Bachelor of Education at the end of 2014.

Following in the footsteps of his parents, Boyd entered the workforce as a teacher following year, showing his circus skills as he juggled his NRC commitments with his time in the classroom.

Openside Flankers are renowned as some of the toughest and most intimidating players on the rugby field, so how do they fare when you put them in charge of a group of teenagers?

“I don’t think I’m too strict, harsh but fair would be a good way to put it.

“I think they’d say I’m pretty good looking for a teacher” Killingworth said.

With his students watching on Thursday nights, Killingworth has made a habit of being in the right place at the right time, scoring four tries in six NRC games.

After bagging a couple of Man of the Match awards earlier in the competition, the Rays no.7 continues to go from strength to strength and can certainly see the benefits of the second-year competition.

“Compared to the Shute Shield it’s definitely a faster paced game and physically more demanding.

“If you can step up and prove you can match it with the Super Rugby players week in, week out, then there is every chance you may be offered something at the end of it” Killingworth said.

So with just two rounds of the NRC remaining, what’s next for the boy from the beaches?

“I had a run round with the NSW Sevens team earlier in the year and we took out the National title.

“I’m playing for the Australian Development Sevens team at the Central Coast Sevens in October, so my goals are either to get an Australian Sevens contract or hopefully pick up a Super Rugby contract.

“I’d definitely prefer to stay in Australia but if something comes up overseas that could well be an option as well” Killingworth said.

Away from the rugby field and the pile of essays he is slowly becoming accustomed to marking, Boyd takes on the role of super coach, selecting only the best of the best in each sport.

“I’m really in to my fantasy sports; NFL, NRL, AFL, NBA, Super XV – if there is a fantasy competition out there I’m usually in it and doing well” Killingworth said.

Given his form of late, it may not be long before he makes the transition from fantasy coach to fantasy player when the Super Rugby season rolls around in 2016.