Brisbane Broncos big guns Darius Boyd and Matt Gillett miss training but set to play against Cowboys

A “DISAPPOINTED” Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has put his players — minus stars Darius Boyd and Matt Gillett — through a gruelling training session after their Round 1 hiding to the Dragons.

Darius Boyd at training with the Brisbane Broncos.

BRONCOS skipper Darius Boyd and star forward Matt Gillett are both expected to be cleared for Friday’s derby clash with the Cowboys, despite the pair failing to complete an “intense” training session on Monday.

The Broncos had a serious training session as they looked to put their disappointing Round 1 loss behind them.

Darius Boyd trains away from the main group.

Both coach Wayne Bennett and his assistant Kevin Walters could be heard barking orders at the playing group, who were put through their paces in the heat.

Hooker Andrew McCullough said Bennett wasn’t angry, but it was the type of session they needed to prepare for the Cowboys.

“He wasn’t angry, he was just a bit disappointed because he knows what we can produce,” McCullough said.

“When we don’t do that and play stupid football, it doesn’t make for an easy Monday and doesn’t make for an enjoyable weekend, that’s for sure.

“It was pretty intense ... we did what we needed to do and the boys came with a good attitude.”

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Broncos coach Wayne Bennett with injured star signing Jack Bird at training. Picture: AAP Image/Glenn Hunt

Gillett did not take any part in the field session at Red Hill, working only in the gym, while Boyd did restricted training away from the main group.

A Brisbane spokesman said however that both will be fine to play in Friday’s all-important showdown at Suncorp Stadium.

It is understood Gillett had a stiff neck after getting caught the wrong way in a tackle against the Dragons, while Boyd is just moving at a cautious pace following his pre-season hamstring strain.

The representative duo are expected to train on Tuesday and hooker McCullough — who will return to the starting side this week — said he has no doubt they will be there on Friday.

“(Boyd) is in no doubt,” McCullough said.

“They’re just managing his hamstring. He’s a professional and knows how to play the game. We know he’ll be right to go on Friday.

Darius Boyd is on restricted duties.

“(Gillett) just has a stiff neck at the moment. I think there’s a few pins and needles but he might just need a bit of a massage and he’ll be right by the end of the week.”

The two players in the running to replace Jaydn Su’A (suspension), George Fai and Sam Tagataese, were absent after playing in the Intrust Super Cup on Sunday.

Originally published as Brisbane Broncos big guns Darius Boyd and Matt Gillett miss training but set to play against Cowboys