Broncos headache over Boyd fitness
BRONCOS coach Wayne Bennett insists he won’t pressure Darius Boyd to play injured as the champion fullback races the clock to be fit for Friday night’s sudden-death final against Penrith.
Bennett admits he is not “overly confident” of having the services of Boyd, who was yesterday left out of the top 17, named on an extended bench for the knockout affair at Suncorp Stadium.
Pint-sized utility Kodi Nikorima was named at fullback, with Benji Marshall retaining the No.7 despite his erratic display in last week’s 24-22 finals loss to the Roosters.
But the Broncos received a ray of hope yesterday when their star skipper trained well, running with conviction for the first time since tweaking his hamstring against the Cowboys 13 days ago.
Boyd completed a series of sprints with forward Tevita Pangai Junior, who is also battling a hamstring problem, before defusing some high kicks in the most promising sign yet he will face the Panthers.
But Bennett was cautious last night, saying Brisbane’s doctors will have the final say on whether Boyd returns to face Anthony Griffin’s Panthers at Suncorp Stadium.
D-Day for Boyd arrives tomorrow when Bennett asks the Maroons ace to complete a full session at the captain’s run
that will determine whether he gets the green light.
“I’m confident, but not overly confident,” Bennett said yesterday.
“I’m sitting on the fence at the moment, although his progress has been good.
“I would love to have him back and if there is some risk involved and it’s minimal, then I will take that risk. But if it’s a stupid risk, I won’t take it.
“Darius hasn’t told me he is ready to play, but he hasn’t said he isn’t ready to play.
“I just don’t want to put pressure on Darius. If he’s not fit, I am not going to play him.”
Boyd has had an injection on his hamstring to expedite his recovery and Bennett admits the next 24 hours are key.
“It’s hard to put a percentage figure on it, but the doctors here are very good and I will listen to them,” he said.
Veteran forward Sam Thaiday said Boyd was having the around-the-clock treatment in a bid to take his place.
“The physios have been doing everything they can,” he said.