Wayne Bennett's contract saga has galvanised Brisbane's NRL finals charge, according to captain Darius Boyd, who insists his longtime mentor is still the best coach in the game.
The Broncos enter September as one of the form teams of the competition, having won their past three games headed into the finals.
Brisbane haven't lost since before the night of the infamous barbecue gathering at Bennett's house, which was revealed in the same week reports peaked that the coach could be out of the club at the end of the year.
Broncos boss Paul White attempted to end that speculation last month but Boyd suggested the confusion had only driven the playing group as they wrapped up a home elimination final against St George Illawarra.
"I think it has (galvanised us) a little bit, to be totally honest," Boyd said.
"There has been a lot of outside pressures and scrutiny throughout the whole year at our club for different reasons.
"I think we've just really been able to stick solid and strong together.
"It's a young group and the young guys have been able to feel and believe that they're able to be part of a good NRL side and winning side. The past few weeks have been an indicator of that."
The fullback's close relationship with Bennett is well known, given he hasn't played under another coach in his 291-game NRL career across three clubs.
Bennett's contract is up at the Broncos at the end of 2019 and while he's indicated he would likely want to stay, Brisbane unsuccessfully pursued Craig Bellamy to be his replacement earlier this year.
But Boyd was unsure whether a successful premiership assault to end the Broncos' 12-year title drought this month would help Wayne secure his future.
"You'd have to ask Whitey that," Boyd said.
"Wayne's record speaks for itself. Wayne, in my opinion, is still the best coach in the game.
"Football comes down to the best at this time of year and Wayne knows how to bring that out in his players.
"He knows how to get a team up, he's always been great at that. He never disappoints."
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