Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett says troubled fullback Darius Boyd will be back at the Broncos within a week.
Queensland and Test flyer Boyd has followed Bennett from the Broncos, where he made his NRL debut almost a decade ago, to St George Illawarra and then Newcastle.
The six-time premiership-winning coach revealed on Thursday a long-speculated new deal would be sorted in the coming days and tipped Boyd to be training at Red Hill by the middle of next week.
Boyd’s final season with Newcastle was cut short as he took time out to deal with mental health issues.
“The only reason why there’s been a hold-up is because we’ve had to finalise the release from Newcastle,” Bennett said.
“We expect within 24-48 hours we’ll have Darius (on board).”
Bennett made the tip as he trumpeted the signing of New Zealand international Adam Blair.
Blair has signed a three-year deal with the Broncos after being released from the final year of his previous contract with the Wests Tigers.
Bennett admitted the seasoned 111kg prop was a perfect point-of-difference forward for the Brisbane pack.
“I’ve always been a great admirer of Adam and never thought I could coach him,” he said.
“I’d just thought he was beyond our reach but opportunity came and we were able to grab it.
“I’m elated for everyone here at the club and the fans that we could get a quality player like him.”
Scrubbit
Guest
He gets off very smart offloads on the front foot, and on the odd occasion he does offload while being driven back they're almost always on target.
Knight Vision
Guest
Welcome to Bennett ball. Enjoy your Friday nights
Jay C
Roar Guru
Not when Parker does it! I am trying to remember an offload of Parker's that ended up in opposition hands but I can't? There must be some but they are rare!
chris n
Guest
problem is one of Corey Parkers biggest asset is his offload old man bennet wont allow any of that its a low percentage play in his books.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Bang on I would say SS. At the very least teach Reed that there is a person to his left. I would love to see the stats of centres dying with the ball in a percentage of touches cos he would have to be the most I have seen. Put a rocket up all the backrowers I reckon. Corey Parker is about the only one playing week in week out footy.
Gaz
Guest
Different mob running the show now. That won't happen. Go close top four for sure!
Silver Sovereign
Roar Rookie
I have liked all the moves from Wayne so far. Kennedy, Barba, Hoffman etc gone. All not really needed. The next moves should be putting a rocket up Alex Glenn and moving slow coach and injury prone Jack Read.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
He's been supposed to be signed next week for the last month. I hope this doesn't turn into a GI state of affairs.
djcooper
Roar Guru
Let's hope so Jay C!
Jay C
Roar Guru
Top 4 2015!