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Newcastle fullback Darius Boyd has been admitted to a mental health clinic today in order to seek treatment for depression.
The club has released no details about Boyd’s condition, and has not issued a timeframe on his recovery. They have, however, asked the media to respect his privacy in a statement from Knights CEO Matt Gidley.
“We are ensuring Darius gets the best possible care and treatment at this time,” Gidley said on Wednesday.
“Depression is a serious illness in our society and we are pleased Darius has taken the first step in his recovery by acknowledging he needs help.
“Football is secondary at this point, it is important Darius’ focus is entirely on his treatment.”
Newcastle say they will update on Boyd’s condition as is appropriate.
Last week, Boyd caused $1500 damage to a luxury hotel room in the Hunter Valley after breaking a television, smashing a glass and putting a hole in a wall. He later rang the resort’s general manager to apologise and offered to pay for the damage.
Knights coach Bennett said the negative publicity surrounding the incident had not contributed to Boyd seeking help.
Bennett is the only coach Boyd has played under during his professional career and sees the master coach as a father figure.
He first came under Bennett’s tutelage as a 19-year-old at Brisbane before following him to St George Illawarra and Newcastle.
Bennett said the 20-Origin and 17-Test representative had instigated the decision to seek help after working with a counsellor for several weeks.
Asked if McKinnon’s plight had taken a toll on Boyd’s state of mind, Bennett said: “I have no doubt it has. It has been part of the issue. I wouldn’t say it’s the whole issue but it has been a part thereof.”
Bennett said McKinnon was among Boyd’s closest friends.
“Regardless of what you see on the outside, the image that he might project, within the playing group, he has a lot of friends here – and really good friends,” he said.
“His best friend is Alex McKinnon, there’s no doubt about that.
“Everyone’s here for him and he knows that so he has got plenty of support.”
Men of League (MOL) chief executive officer Corene Strauss praised Boyd for having the strength to seek treatment and hoped it prompted other players not to suffer in silence.
The MOL Foundation offers financial and social assistance to current and former league players and administrators who have fallen on tough times.
While she praised the work of NRL clubs to help players deal with mental health issues, Strauss said the only way to address it was if the individual admitted they needed help.
“On the one hand, you can never do enough for people with a mental health issue,” she said.
“On the other, mental health is often hidden by the players. We are not aware of the deep pain that they’re feeling.
“But by making the conversation about mental health more prevalent, put in place those support networks, help people identify the problem, I’m sure more people will come out and reach out for help.”
* Readers seeking support and information can contact MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78 or Lifeline on 13 11 14
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