Broncos speedster Deine Mariner has a mission: to ensure he is the club’s long-term centre.
While Brisbane in 2024 look unlikely to repeat their success of the previous season, when they played their way to the grand final, Mariner at last had his chance in his preferred role.
The 21-year-old launched his NRL career on the wing, scoring 14 tries in 13 games there this year, but has spent the past six rounds in the No.4 jumper, as Selwyn Cobbo battled injuries and personal matters.
Now Cobbo, who has not played since round 21, will make his comeback on the wing against Parramatta, opening the door for Mariner to secure the centre job.
While Mariner stressed Cobbo brought “things other players can’t bring to the team”, he made it clear centre was where he saw his own future.
“Wing was just a position to get some reps in to build into centre because obviously centre is a much more defensive position,” Mariner said.
“I’m always going to be confident to play centre because that’s a preferred position for me – I’m happy with where I’m at.”
Should Mariner remain in the centres, it poses a question over Cobbo’s future.
Salary cap constraints caused Brisbane to lose Herbie Farnworth, Tom Flegler and Kurt Capewell last year, and now Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs – off contract at the end of 2025 – will be in the crosshairs of several clubs.
Staggs produced arguably a career-best performance against the Cowboys, and the Sydney Roosters could come equipped with a war chest, given current centre pairing Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii will defect to rugby union.
Brisbane will also need to extend fullback Reece Walsh, while the club’s depth among its forwards has been called into question this year, and could inspire a hunt for reinforcements.
Canberra firebrand Corey Horsburgh has reportedly been connected to Brisbane.
After an emphatic start to the season, culminating in a star State of Origin showing in Queensland’s series opening triumph, Cobbo’s form has wavered since he was left out of the series’ game two.
Maroons coach Billy Slater said mental exhaustion and the 22-year-old’s need to play with pain-killing injections were behind his omission, before returning for the decider.
Should Staggs and Mariner remain at the club, and given the emergence of rookies Israel Leota and Josiah Karapani, Cobbo would face tough choices.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters – who previously declared Brisbane could keep Staggs and Cobbo – said Cobbo’s skillset was needed on the wing, a move that will need to reap rewards, with Brisbane unable to lose again to stand a finals chance.
“He’s in the best physical condition [he’s been in] all season, really,” Walters said.
“We’re expecting a big game from Selwyn. [Wing] is more his position at the moment, he’s strong with his carries and catches the ball well, and he’s good defensively on the wing.
“You put all those together, and it makes for an easy decision.”
Sydney Morning Herald
