By Nick Wright
There is “NRL written all over” Deine Mariner, with his Queensland Cup coach Matthew Head declaring all he needed was to discover greater aggression in his defence to become a Broncos mainstay once the chance for a long-term spot came his way.
Brisbane Broncos affiliate stars of Queensland Cup Round 14Credit: Dylan Parker Photography
Mariner was electric for Wynnum-Manly in the side’s 42-32 win over the Western Clydesdales; scoring his 15th try in just 19 appearances for the club to cement his status as one of the brightest prospects coming through Brisbane’s ranks.
The 19-year-old has averaged 127 running metres and more than five tackle busts a game this season, adding to his two try and 179 metres performance in his sole NRL outing this year against the New Zealand Warriors.
As England World Cup star Herbie Farnworth prepares to leave the Broncos for the Dolphins at season’s end, Mariner could find himself in a head-to-head battle with Jesse Arthurs for the vacant place in the outside backs; the latter performing admirably from 13 games in the injury absence of Corey Oates.
While Head steered clear of launching any predictions as to which of the pair would have their nose in front come 2024, he was adamant that when Mariner’s moment came he would be ready to make an impression.
Deine Mariner attempts to tackle Cowboys flyer Murray Taulagi.Credit: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
“He’s a very good footballer and a good one at NRL level once he gets his opportunity to cement his spot and play regular NRL football. I don’t think we’ll have him for much longer, he’s got NRL written all over him,” Head said.
“He’s finding his feet and seeing the benefits of it; he’s a great runner and the more he has the ball the better for him and us. Once he works on his defence he’ll be a regular NRL footballer.
“He’s still a young kid and learning his trade in the centres. He’s getting more confident and the more aggressive he gets [in defence] he’ll see the benefits.”
Dolphins affiliate Queensland Cup stars of Round 14. Credit: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Felise Kaufusi’s return to action for the Dolphins has coincided with a key mid-season signing; a pair of major boosts to coach Wayne Bennett’s forward pack.
Kaufusi lined up for his first Queensland Cup appearance in six years on Saturday, scoring a try in Redcliffe’s 23-22 defeat to Norths Devils.
The veteran was overlooked for Queensland State of Origin selection despite featuring in 14 games since his 2018 debut, having been unavailable for a Game 1 call up as he served a four-game suspension for a grade-two careless high tackle.
The 31-year-old will be joined in the Dolphins incoming brigade by recruit Josh Kerr, with the prop securing an early release from the St George-Illawarra Dragons.
Kerr had already put pen to paper on a two-year deal to play under Bennett from 2024. However, he will now be available for the Dolphins clash with the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday.
The 27-year-old enforcer, and one-time Maroons 18th man, grew up through the Redcliffe junior ranks, and completes the club’s Top 30 roster for the remainder of the 2023 NRL campaign.
The Dragons’ Josh Kerr has joined the Dolphins immediately. .Credit: Getty Images
“He is a high-quality acquisition for the club, and to get him for the rest of the 2023 season is a huge development for our list,” Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said.
“We had one spot left in our top 30, and for it to be a local junior coming home to play is a great story.”
