Admin– After a grueling training session at Red Hill, Brisbane Broncos’ rising star Deine Mariner left the field with sweat, mud, and tears mixing on his face — but this time, it wasn’t about a win or loss on the scoreboard.
In an emotional moment that silenced teammates and coaches alike, the 21-year-old outside back opened up about his toughest battle yet: his mother’s ongoing fight against cancer.
“She’s still fighting — and so am I,” Mariner whispered, his voice breaking. “Every time I run out in a Broncos jersey, it’s for her. Footy is tough, but it’s nothing compared to what she’s going through.”
A Jersey With Deeper Meaning
The sight of Mariner walking off the training paddock, jersey dirt-stained and eyes filled with tears, has already become an image etched into Broncos folklore. For many fans, it’s a reminder that behind the tries and tackles, players carry real struggles — ones far greater than anything on the field.
Broncos Rally Around Their Young Star
Within moments, Mariner was embraced by his teammates, with captain Adam Reynolds praising the youngster’s resilience. Broncos coach Kevin Walters also voiced admiration:
“Deine’s one of the hardest-working young players I’ve coached. For him to share something so personal, and still perform at this level, shows incredible strength.”
Bigger Than the Game
While the Broncos’ season rolls on, Mariner’s words have already united fans and players in a new way. Every step he takes on the field now carries more than just the hopes of Brisbane supporters — it carries the love, fight, and determination of a son standing proudly by his mother’s side.
For Mariner, every tackle and every try will now mean something far greater than rugby league: it will be a tribute to the toughest fighter he knows.
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