Darius Boyd warns of suicide risk in NRL after Broncos thrashed

As the Broncos brace for the fallout from the worst defeat in their three-decade history, besieged skipper Darius Boyd has warned an NRL player could take their own life over public criticism.

BESIEGED Broncos skipper Darius Boyd fears an NRL player could take their own life if subjected to the type of savage criticism levelled at Brisbane players following their 58-0 capitulation to the Eels.

Shattered Broncos players caught a flight to Brisbane straight after their hammering by the Eels, and are bracing for a backlash in the coming days in the wake of the worst defeat in the club’s proud 31-year history.

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Furious Broncos fans took to social media after the loss, unloading on Seibold, the players and even taking aim at Broncos CEO Paul White, who sacked super coach Wayne Bennett last December.

Boyd has copped brickbats for his performances this season and says while he is experienced enough to cope with the fallout, he warned public condemnation could one day push an NRL star over the edge.

Darius Boyd is flanked by dejected teammates after last night’s finals debacle. Picture: Joel Carrett/AAP

“It’s disappointing because someone will probably do something silly like take their own life through mental health issues,” said Boyd, a strong mental-health advocate who battled anxiety issues four years ago.

Payne Haas on a rare burst for the Broncos last night. Picture: Brendon Thorne/AAP

“I’m a big advocate for (mental health), and that might happen (a possible suicide) which is very unfortunate if it does.

“That may have to happen for people to lay off, whether it’s social media or mainstream media.

“We got it wrong, we’ve got it wrong a lot of times this year but it doesn’t mean we’re less of a person.”

When asked if he was looking forward to a mental break following months of scathing assessments of his patchy form this season, Boyd hit back at his critics.

“I’ve got a kind heart, I care about other people and have a positive mindset. I think about gratitude get me through. I don’t read the crap because a lot of it is crap,” he said.

“I’ve spoken about it before, negative talk isn’t great. I don’t live in the rugby league bubble and have got a great support network.

“This (58-0 loss) was unacceptable and embarrassing, we’re not shying away from that. But as far as the season goes, I think there’s some positives that we need to be proud of as well.

Matt Gillett (centre) and fellow Broncos look dejected after yet another Eels try last night. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“We were written off early, had a change in coaching staff at the start of the season, players leaving the club.

“We’ve had more than 10 debutants, a lot of critics – individually and collectively – and to still make the finals you’ve got to put things into perspective.

“There’s eight other teams that didn’t make it. We had a rebuild within six months and still made the finals.”