Mariner maps out positive path ahead to World Cup

However, he has since overcome an acute compartment syndrome issue that began as a cork in his thigh in Round 9, marking a remarkable return in Round 18, with finals and a successful Rugby League World Cup campaign high on his mind.

“It wasn't our plan how everything unfolded, but I guess for us, this last six weeks is for us to just give our best and I think our focus is just every week now," Mariner said of Brisbane's task ahead. 

"We've got a job for ourselves now, we need to start winning some games and show that we can finish off the season strong, no matter what happens.

“I feel like the best way to answer that is just my focus is on my team, myself.

“Obviously I've got my eyes set for the World Cup (with Samoa) as well … but you get chosen from the way you play for your club team, so I have just got to make sure that I'm doing my job out there and I'll let the coaches decide on what they do.

"But I'll always put my hand up for the Samoa team.”

Mariner had a playful word of encouragement for current Kangaroos prop Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to follow the lead of his Broncos teammate Payne Haas and switch his allegiance to the Toa team.

"Oh, I'll just tell him to follow Payne, do what Payne's doing,” Mariner said with a laugh.

“Obviously, (there is) a lot of talent in that Samoan team and it's pretty exciting, the squad that we're going to have this year.

“I guess anyone that gets chosen is rightfully so, and they deserve it, and looking forward to it."

However, with a strong squad building already, Mariner declared the Pacific nation was ready to go a step further than just making the final of the tournament like they did in 2022.

“I think that's the whole point … You're not going to go into a World Cup thinking that you can't win,” Mariner said.

“Massive belief from our nation that we can go all the way and that's something that will come when that time comes.”

But for now, Mariner was happy to reflect on the lessons and blessings of the season so far, despite the many challenges for himself and his team.

“I think looking back at it now, it's been one of those things where I feel like it's one of the best things that's happened to me," Mariner said.

“I think from a perspective of taking the game for granted and how easy it is that it can be taken away from me.

“So for me, every time I get an opportunity to play this week or next week, it's not promised, so I just make sure I can do everything I can to leave everything on the field.

“It's definitely changed my perspective on playing the game.

“I think just being able to get that second chance and that opportunity to play again this year, I know a lot of people sometimes … their season gets cut short or their career gets cut short because of an injury.

“So just being grateful and feeling really lucky is the way I kind of see it.

“Although it wasn't a nice time when I was having surgery, it was definitely a good lesson about myself and I learned more about myself during those months than I have all year, so definitely a positive I took out of that month.

“I'm back now, so I guess my focus here is just to play my best footy and help out the team.”