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Wayne Bennett comes to the defence of Darius Boyd

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1st May, 2019
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Wayne Bennett has leapt to the defence of under fire former pupil Darius Boyd, arguing his NRL form isn’t as bad as what his critics have made out.

For the first time since Boyd entered first-grade in 2006, the once inseparable pair will be in opposite dressing rooms during Thursday’s blockbuster clash between Brisbane and South Sydney.

Wherever Bennett has ventured during his career, Boyd has been in tow – following him from Brisbane to St George Illawarra to Newcastle and back to the Broncos again.

They finally parted when Bennett was sacked by the Brisbane board and he undertook a coaching swap with Anthony Seibold to land at the Rabbitohs.

During Brisbane’s lacklustre start to 2019, which has seen them register just two wins in seven games, fullback Boyd has been criticised for his defensive efforts as some questioned whether he would see out the final two years of his contract.

“I don’t think it’s as bad as everyone says it is,” said Bennett of his former charge.

“Kodi Nikorima’s form isn’t as bad as what you all said it was. He was one of their best players. Everyone sees things differently.”

Bennett said Boyd was the only member of the Broncos playing group which he had been in contact with in the lead up to the game.

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It is fitting that Boyd will become the 35th member of the 300-game club in a match against the man who has had an immeasurable impact on his career and helped him overcome well-documented personal problems.

When asked about Boyd’s achievements and what he was most proud of, Bennett said: “The man he’s turned out to be. 

“He had a lot of challenges in life – more than most of us. He’s had to overcome all those. 

“He still has a battle with them. It hasn’t gone away or found some magical cure. He’s on top of a lot of what he wasn’t in the past, he’s got a lovely family.”

Seibold said Boyd deserved recognition for his achievements.

“He’s been a really good foil for myself and our group,” Seibold said.

“It’s well-deserved recognition and it’s great in a lot of ways that he’s playing against Wayne cause they’ve had such a close relationship.

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“It’s pretty fitting and bizarre how that all works out sometimes.”

© AAP

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