‘He is really testing me’: Deine Mariner reveals personal mental challenge set by Michael Maguire

Deine Mariner was set to be overlooked for Brisbane’s Round 1 clash against the Sydney Roosters. But an untimely injury to Kotoni Staggs and a challenge from Michael Maguire has opened the door.

Deine Mariner is ready to step up for injured strike centre Kotoni Staggs with Brisbane’s speed machine revealing how coach Michael Maguire has challenged him to get mentally tougher this season.

Maguire has warned Brisbane stars no-one is safe, with Samoa Test star Mariner among several Broncos fighting for spots ahead of their premiership opener against the Roosters on Thursday week.

This masthead understands Mariner was initially in danger of being overlooked for round 1 amid concerns over his pre-season attitude at a time when threequarters Gehamat Shibasaki, Jesse Arthars and Staggs have stepped up.

But with Staggs to miss up to a month of the premiership after suffering quadriceps damage in Brisbane’s final pre-season trial last Saturday night, Mariner has rocketed into the selection frame.

Staggs is Brisbane’s premier right centre and Mariner regards that as his best position.

After playing 16 of his 27 NRL games on the wing, Mariner is relishing the prospect of starting in the centres and says some candid feedback from Maguire has motivated him to find a tougher mental edge in 2025.

“The biggest thing Madge has said is no spots are given,” Mariner said.

“It’s all earned around here and he hasn’t finalised the team (for round 1).

“No-one can get complacent.

“We are all fighting for spots and it’s bringing out the best in everyone.

“For me, I think (his best position) is centre because I played there all my junior grades.

“It’s a position I’m comfortable with, but I’m happy to play anywhere.”

Since his debut in 2022, Mariner has fashioned a reputation as one of the NRL’s most lethal finishers, having scored 22 tries in 27 games - including seven doubles in his fledgling career.

This time last year, the 21-year-old was part of Brisbane’s starting team in Las Vegas, scoring a try on the wing in the Broncos’ 20-10 loss to the Roosters at Allegiant Stadium.

Mariner was one of the shining lights of Brisbane’s disastrous 2024 campaign, finishing with 17 tries from 21 games, including 14 from the wing, reinforcing why the Kiwi Test hopeful is one of the code’s hottest emerging outside backs.

As a teenager at Palm Beach Currumbin, Mariner was rated the best schoolboy centre in the country. But Maguire wants Mariner to work harder, telling him raw talent alone isn’t enough for sustained NRL success.

“You guys have read the stories about our training and ‘Madge’ (Maguire) has put it on me to get mentally stronger,” he said.

“That’s what he wants in the team - mentally tough players and that’s what I have to work on.

“At the moment, it’s testing mentally this pre-season. I am maturing and focusing on what I can do off the field. I am still young and still learning. He is really testing me and has brought the best out of me.

“It comes with maturing. This has only been my third pre-season and it’s definitely been the hardest one, but it’s been a good opportunity.

Deine Mariner is locked in a battle with Gehamat Shibasaki (pictured). Picture: NRL Photos

“Madge has brought out the best in me and tested me.

“He is really wanting me to become the best player I can become.”

Maguire said he is seriously considering picking Mariner for Brisbane’s round 1 blockbuster against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium.

“He’s not out of the picture at all,” he said.

“’Deano’ is a very good player himself, but I think he made the statement about making sure you are tougher on the other side of the game as well.

“Fifty per cent of our game is defending and that’s part of what I have challenged every player here.”