CONNIE BOYD has credited her Leeds coach’s constant belief in her as one of the reasons she walked away from the Rugby League Awards night as Women’s Super League Young Player of the Year.
Having been elevated to the first team ahead of the 2025 season, Boyd has transformed from an interchange forward to a starting centre, and has this year scored 16 tries in 18 games in all competitions.
Her impressive form has earned her a call-up to Stuart Barrow’s England’s World Cup squad, while she also featured in the first ten-player shortlist for the Woman of Steel award.
But while Rhinos team chief Lois Forsell has always had the belief in the 20-year-old, Boyd knows that these latest accolades help prove she should have more faith in her own abilities.
“It’s so good to get this award as I never thought I would,” said Boyd, an ever-present for Leeds this season, on the club website.
“I have really got stuck in this season and worked hard and that has paid off.
“I have definitely grown as a player this year, but the other people around me have helped me become that player. My teammates help me every week to become better, and so have the coaches.
“Lois has always believed in me and I never really listened to her because I don’t have much self-confidence, but she kept drilling into me how good I can be.
“Then Rich (Tillotson) came along and he’s really helped me as well, and so has Baz (Barry Eaton). He has had loads of experience in Rugby League so everything he says I listen to.
“I came to the awards not thinking I was going to win, and I didn’t think I was going to get the call from England either, so I probably should believe in myself a bit more.”
