Cory Paterson believes Darius Boyd's recent off-field antics may have been a ''cry for help'' and expects the Newcastle international to receive greater support in his battle with depression than he did after going public in 2009.

Paterson, who also played for the Knights at the time, was subjected to sledging from rival fans and players, including Billy Slater, who apologised for an onfield sledge in which the Storm player reportedly said: ''Why don't you go to your room and have a cry.''

However, the injured Wests Tigers forward said education programs put in place by the NRL had ensured a better understanding of mental health problems and he was confident Boyd would receive strong support from across the game.

''When I came out in 2009, I felt I had the town of Newcastle behind me and my club, and family and friends, but there was probably about 80 per cent of people outside of Newcastle who still thought I was a sook,'' Paterson said.

''I had blokes sledging me and that sort of thing, but I don't think there is any way Darius will have that. I think the NRL has got to be credited in that regard and I think society has changed as well. The NRL has obviously put a bit of money into education and I think now it is probably 80 per cent who would understand and be supportive. In five years, that is a pretty big turnaround.

''For me, I was lucky that the club, the place, the town and the people I was around helped me, because outside of that there wasn't much else. I had people write me emails and had letters sent to the club, and that is the best thing about Newcastle. The town and the people, they got behind me to an awesome extent, and I am forever grateful for that.''

Paterson said he didn't know any of the details about how Boyd came to be diagnosed with depression but believed there may have been signs in his recent behaviour to suggest he was not coping off the field.

The Knights fullback, who is expected to follow coach Wayne Bennett back to Brisbane next season, has been widely criticised for his ''rude'' behaviour towards the media.

''I don't know Darius' situation but I have seen some things that looked to me like a bit of a cause for concern,'' Paterson said. ''You could call it a cry for help or it might just be the guy he is, but there is a lot of people who go through it and are very good at hiding it. I think the big thing that Darius has done today is acknowledge that he needs some help and he should know that the rugby league community will get behind him and he will be stronger for it. He is only human, he hasn't hurt anyone, he hasn't done anything wrong, so he deserves the help.''

With statistics suggesting one in five people suffer mental health problems, Paterson said there could be five or six players suffering at each NRL club.

Rugby League Players' Association president Clint Newton admitted it would be ''naive'' to think Boyd was the only one battling depression.

''I wouldn't be able to speculate on how many people are affected with mental health but all I will say is it'd be very naive to think it's not something that happens in our sport and across all sports,'' said Newton, who was speaking at the launch of the Australian Athletes' Alliance charter of athletes' rights.

''It's one of the things the AAA are about – recognising the fact well-being is a health issue and mental health is a big part of it.''

Newton said he was confident Boyd would be well looked after by the Knights.

''I can't comment on Darius's individual situation, it's something we never do, but what I will say is he couldn't have a better club to be involved for his needs. The Knights have shown their true colours with Alex McKinnon and what he's been through,'' Newton said.

''I've got a lot of faith in the club to follow the right process and make sure his well-being is at the forefront of everyone's mind. I think it certainly highlights the fact we as athletes aren't immune to different issues that pop up in society. I think sometimes that gets lost amongst the hype and the money that gets thrown around some of the players. We're people first and athletes second and a player's welfare should be the number one priority, and the sport is secondary.''