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'Best thing': near leg loss making of Bronco Mariner
Joel Gould, AAP • July 30th, 2026 6:59 am
Deine Mariner is roaring back from a career-threatening injury with Brisbane | Photo: Jono Searle/AAP
Brisbane speedster Deine Mariner almost lost his leg earlier this year but he regards it as a blessing in disguise.
"Looking back at it now, it's one of the best things that's happened to me," Mariner said.
The Samoa international had six surgeries at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney after suffering compartment syndrome in his right thigh following the round nine loss to Sydney Roosters.
The syndrome is a condition that restricts blood flow and can lead to amputation if untreated.
After returning from the injury ahead of schedule in a remarkable nine weeks, and then playing three games on the wing, Mariner will switch to centre against Newcastle on Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium after a trauma that had a silver lining.
"It comes from a perspective of taking the game for granted and how easy it is that it can be taken away from me," Mariner explained.
"So for me, every time I get an opportunity to play this week or next week, it's not promised, so I just make sure I can do everything I can to leave everything on the field.
"It's definitely changed my perspective on playing the game."
That philosophy reveals the 2025 title winner is mature beyond his years. The initial pain is now what he regards as gain but how did a 23-year-old come to that conclusion?
"I think just being able to get that second chance and that opportunity to play again this year," he said.
"I know a lot of people …. sometimes their season gets cut short or their career gets cut short because of an injury.
"So just being grateful and feeling really lucky is the way I kind of see it.
"Although it wasn't a nice time when I was having surgery, it was definitely a good lesson and I learned more about myself during those months than I have all year, so definitely a positive I took out of that month.
"I'm back now, so I guess my focus here is just to play my best footy and help out the team."
Deine Mariner scored in the 2025 NRL grand final, but the Broncos won't be playing finals this year | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
The switch to centre against the Knights is just what Mariner wanted.
"That's definitely going to be in my goals next year and something I'll be looking for," he said.
"During my whole junior grades I played centre, so really excited."
In 2027 former Broncos flyer Dane Gagai will be competing with him for a centre position, given Gehamat Shibasaki has signed with Perth Bears.
Gagai will line up for the Knights against Mariner in the centres on Saturday night.
The Broncos' title defence is over but they can still cause damage.
"I'm not really worried about (Gagai) or about their team. We need to start winning some games and show that we can finish off the season strong, no matter what happens," Mariner said.
"I feel like the best way to answer that is just my focus on my team and myself."
