'Emotionaly frustrated' Darius Boyd caught crying during Newcastle Knights loss to Sydney Roosters
By Stuart Honeysett The Australian May 08, 2012 8:41AM
Newcastle Knights legend Paul Harragon has revealed marquee signing Darius Boyd was "emotionally frustrated" when he was caught crying on camera during the Knights' 24-6 loss to the Sydney Roosters on Sunday.
Harragon's explanation came through as inspirational Knights captain and halfback Kurt Gidley confirmed via Twitter that his season was officially over because of a shoulder injury.
A camera set up by Channel Nine in the visitors' dressing sheds at Allianz Stadium captured the image of Boyd crying into a towel at half-time and being comforted by coach Wayne Bennett.
His actions drew a mixed response from fans on Twitter: some threw their support behind him while others condemned him as a sook.
Harragon, who played 220 first grade games for the Knights including the club's maiden grand final win in 1997, defended Boyd and said he also used to get upset at losses during his career.
"He was emotional because he was frustrated with the team making the same mistakes and like all great players you show your emotions," Harragon said.
"I know with myself sometimes you get really frustrated at your own form and sometimes with the team. I used to get upset after the game and sometimes you ended up in tears and were emotional because you're putting everything into it and things aren't working out. It builds up.
"To me that is a mark of someone who really cares and someone who is a great player. Anything below excellent worries them and that's perfectly natural."
Boyd left St George Illawarra at the end of last season to join the Knights on big money but so far has failed to live up to his reputation. He was off his game on Sunday after throwing a pass into touch that could have led to a try to James McManus and he remonstrated with backrower Zeb Taia after he fell off a tackle which led to a try to Roosters' Mitchell Aubusson.
Former Knights five-eighth Matthew Johns said on Sydney radio on Monday that the expectation on Boyd to justify his price tag at the club was affecting his form.
Not only did Boyd join the Knights on a lucrative deal, he displaced favourite son Kurt Gidley at fullback. Among the criticisms of his performances in the No 1 jumper is he is struggling with his attack and support play.
"I think the pressure of the situation and the expectation, and the fact he's had such a slow start is really weighing on him," Johns said.
"It appears what began as a slow start is now a crisis in confidence because he's just disappeared out of the contest."
Harragon, the chairman of the club's advisory board, said he was confident Boyd would eventually turn things around for both himself and the club.
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