Darius Boyd to follow Wayne Bennett to Dragons
MAROONS Origin flyer Darius Boyd is almost certain to leave the Broncos at the end of the season to become the first Brisbane player to be coaxed to Wayne Bennett's Dragons den.
While Boyd is in Camp Maroon at Terrigal, it is understood his management team of George Mimis and Darryl Mather are negotiating a three-year deal that will see the winger follow Bennett to St George Illawarra next season.
Amid heavy speculation a deal has already been struck, the management pair last night denied Boyd had been signed, sealed and delivered.
But Mather did admit the 20-year-old was weighing up a move while Mimis was less committal - labelling talk of a done deal as premature.
"Darius is committed on Origin, he hasn't even been to Sydney yet to see whether he'd like to live there," Mimis said last night. "That's not to say he won't look after Origin, but to say he's already signed is premature and presumptuous."
It is understood Boyd stayed in Wollongong to look at the Dragons' training facilities after the Broncos' round 13 match.
Should he defect it would mean Bennett has finally secured one of his current charges to join his venture south after several failed attempts.
"We're of the view there will be a positive outcome that will see Darius secure a long-term deal with the Dragons," Mather said.
"My colleague George Mimis has decided to assist me because of his special relationship with Wayne. We desire a three-year deal, although if that's not forthcoming a two-year deal could be an option."
It is thought the release of prop Jason Ryles to French club Catalans has freed up room in St George Illawarra's cap to move on Boyd.
Brisbane remain keen to offload the winger, who scored two tries in his Origin debut on June 11, to free up funds to bolster their back-row ranks, with Tigers lock Ben Te'o the prime target.
Link
