While reluctant to talk about Greg Inglis' progress, Darius Boyd hopes his great mate can repeat his off-field success and emerge a new man.
The rugby league community has rallied around NRL star Inglis after it was revealed the injured South Sydney captain had checked himself into a clinic two weeks ago battling depression.
Inglis has been struggling with on and off-field issues since suffering a season-ending knee injury in the Rabbitohs' NRL season opener.
Boyd played a major hand in Inglis seeking treatment, urging his friend to follow his lead and enter the same Sydney facility that helped revitalise his life three years ago.
Boyd failed to finish the 2014 NRL season with Newcastle after making the tough decision to seek treatment for depression.
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He emerged at Brisbane the next year a changed man, regaining career-best form and earning the Broncos captaincy.
Boyd said he had kept in touch with Inglis but was uncomfortable sharing his progress.
"I had a bit of communication with GI," he said.
"It's his story and his family's story to tell, if and when he is ready.
"It's his journey."
However, Boyd hoped treatment worked as well for Inglis as it did for him three years ago.
"It was great for me. There were a lot of things I learned," Boyd said of his treatment.
"I needed a break from the game. I needed time to work on myself personally and focus on what is important.
"I needed to get family around me to support me through tough times - that was a big key for me."
Meanwhile, Sydney AFL star Lance Franklin also offered his support to Inglis after overcoming his own health battle.
Franklin took time out of the game and missed the 2015 AFL finals series due to mental health issues but returned to earn all-Australian honours the next year.
"Obviously it was very sad to hear the news about Greg," Franklin said.
"Just hopefully he gets better and he's got that support network around him that can help him through a tough time."
