After the reaction to Darius Boyd's State of Origin game one selection, Wayne Bennett believes the incumbent Queensland No.1 will probably be relieved to be replaced by Billy Slater for the June 21 rematch in Sydney.
Boyd admitted he was trying to ignore the speculation over Queensland's Origin II team to be announced on Monday. Veteran fullback Slater is firming for a return as Maroons No.1.
However, Boyd called for calm from critics after the fallout over his selection instead of Slater for Origin I reached the corridors of power in Queensland.
Federal MP Bob Katter sent an official complaint to the QRL and launched a press release lampooning their decision to pick Boyd over Slater.
"Darius Boyd wouldn't know what a line break was, if he fell over it on a dark night," Katter said.
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Calls for 27-Origin veteran Slater only increased after Queensland suffered a record 28-4 game one loss in Brisbane.
But Boyd ensured he remained in the mix with a standout display in Brisbane's 24-18 NRL win over South Sydney at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
Asked if he thought there was a chance Darius may not be Queensland No.1 for game two, Bennett said: "It will probably be a relief for him".
Boyd admitted he hoped not to see a repeat of the harsh criticism of the game one team when Queensland coach Kevin Walters unveiled his Origin II side on Monday.
"I try not to listen to it," Boyd said of Origin speculation.
"(But) whoever we pick in the Queensland team we want everyone to be proud of them, support them.
"Not judge them and pick who should or shouldn't be in the team, we should be proud of the team we have regardless.
"Instead of jumping on someone's back we should support the ones who are there."
