The end may be looming for Darius Boyd's glittering NRL career due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold says he is more concerned about the rest of his young squad as they try to get their head around dealing with the unprecedented postponement.
Boyd, 32, announced the 2020 kick-off that he would draw the curtain on his glittering career at season's end, ending months of speculation about his future after Brisbane's record 58-0 finals first round exit last year.
However, Seibold conceded Boyd - a veteran of 319 games and two premierships - may not receive the send-off he believed the former club captain richly deserved due to the league shutdown.
A former Test fullback, Boyd had revelled in his switch to the centres in Brisbane's opening two wins this year before the competition was postponed - much to Seibold's frustration.
"It would be a shame if the competition didn't get back for a lot of reasons but from a selfish point of view we wouldn't get a chance to send off Darius in the fashion that he should be," Seibold told Fox League Mornings.
"There are few players who have played more than 300 games, won premierships at two different clubs.
"Darius made the smart and right decision announcing that (retirement) before the start of the season - it took a lot of pressure off himself and off our club.
"He won't go around next year. He has made that decision.
"He is clear what he wants to do next, he is in a good stage of his life."
However, Seibold admitted he would have to monitor the rest of his youthful squad as they dealt with the coronavirus fallout.
"This is a situation we haven't experienced before," he said.
"There is a risk some players will have some challenges to their mental well-being
"We have plans in place in staying connected.
"You can Facetime, you can WhatsApp video, send people messages to keep checking in.
"We have spoken at length on things we can do to stay connected."
Australian Associated Press
