You could tell this was the new and improved Darius Boyd when he answered a question with the most unlikely query of his own.
"How long have you got?", Boyd replied when asked about his progress off the field. "An hour?"
In the past, trying to even get a minute with Boyd was mission impossible. But Brisbane's newest signing has worked hard to turn his life around and the proof was in the pudding when Wayne Bennett's newest Broncos signing was unveiled at Red Hil on Monday.
Boyd was smiling, relaxed and expansive as he spoke to reporters about his move back to Brisbane, where he joins the Broncos on a three-year deal and will be given first opportunity at the newly vacated fullback role.
He was been transforming his life since leaving the Knights, seeking treatment for depression and working to resolve family and personal issues. Judging by his persona, the results have been nothing if not dramatic.
Fronting a room full of journalists would have been Boyd's worst nightmare even a few months ago. This time, he sailed through it with humour and humility. He even looked for a second as if - gulp - he enjoyed the experience.
"It's great. My heart's pumping a bit at the moment. I'm excited. It's something I never thought would happen, to be back. I've been away for a while. I'm very happy to be here," Boyd said.
"I'm looking forward to a new chapter and a fresh start. It's home for me."
Boyd represents the final move of Bennett's extensive off-season chess session, which has seen a host of players depart and other key names, including Adam Blair, head north.
Boyd also felt a touch surreal sitting alongside Bennett in the Broncos boardroom, given the Maroons Origin winger never really wanted to leave the Broncos in the first place.
"You've got to remember he didn't want to leave. He wanted to stay and I was going [to the Dragons]. I asked him what he wanted to do and he said he wanted to stay," Bennett recalled.
"I said you better go over and see them, so he came over here and talked to the CEO and incoming coach. They both told him he wasn't wanted. He came back with tears in his eyes. I said 'you can come with me' and the rest is history."
Boyd joined his new team-mates for the first time and was even enthused about the first weights session, which gives an insight into his excitement levels at being back home. He said he wanted to play out his career at Brisbane and remain there to build his life after retirement.
