The Broncos have reportedly lodged a formal complaint to the NRL Integrity Unit, levelling bombshell claims the competition’s 17th franchise enticed Deine Mariner to break his contract.
NRL investigators have reportedly begun investigating the matter, contacting the 19-year-old’s management to discuss the incident according to the Courier Mail.
Mariner reportedly stunned Brisbane powerbrokers by requesting an immediate release six weeks ago, which was rejected.
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Broncos bosses then contacted NRL officials claiming the young gun was coerced into requesting a release, hoping to sign a lucrative contract with Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins.
The shock investigation comes after the Broncos were cleared of any wrongdoing in the contract handed to Karl Oloapu, with another contract dispute emerging between the Queensland rivals.
“The NRL has made contact with us, yes,” Mariner’s manager Dixon McIver said.
“I have co-operated fully with the NRL.
“I have given them a statement on where we stand and that’s why I don’t have any concerns.”
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McIver also went in to bat for the Dolphins, explaining “I don’t think there is anything to be concerned about”.
“Deine has had interest from a number of clubs. From my end it’s a pretty self-explanatory thing,” McIver said.
“There’s a difference between enticing a player and some discussions that have transpired.
“We’ve left it to the Broncos and the NRL to sort it out and they will come up with deliberations in due course.
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“I’ve got a good relationship with the Broncos. The interpretation of what I have of the situation to the Broncos will be completely different.”
Mariner reportedly wanted out of his Broncos contract, which expires at the end of 2024, to take up a lucrative offer, but McIver said his client was focused on the season ahead.
Dolphins chief executive Terry Reader also denied any wrongdoing in the matter and once again stoked the flames of an emerging Brisbane rivalry.
“The reality is there are now two teams in Brisbane and more competition for local players,” Reader said.
“The Dolphins will always be interested in the best available young talent, especially quality players from Queensland.
“We aren’t targeting the Broncos, the fact is that players now have more options with two NRL clubs in Brisbane.”
