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“[Walters] could have picked Oatsey, he’s a legend of this club, but he picked me, and I just wanted to repay the faith. [Oates] hasn’t really been in the squad, but he’s always around the club giving me the best advice,” Mariner said.
“In that position he’s done so much for the team, so if I can learn anything it’ll be from him.”
Mariner’s acceleration caught the Rabbitohs napping at times on Thursday night, his ability to beat veteran winger Alex Johnston to an Adam Reynolds grubber just the tip of the iceberg.
Corey Oates, one of the Broncos most prolific try-scorers, has been unseated on the back of an injury-plagued 2023.Credit: Getty
Late in the contest, with the Broncos hanging on to a 10-point lead, the eight-game youngster displayed confidence beyond his tender years by playing a chip for himself to score the eight – and finest – try of his career.
While Mariner remained coy about exactly how quick he could be at top flight, he said he had consciously sought ways to become a faster and more daunting prospect.
“I’m not sure of the numbers,” Mariner said with a laugh. “I just sprint fast and whatever happens, happens.
“We have some speed coaches here, so in the preseason I worked a lot on maintaining my speed while putting on weight. I know speed is a strength for me, so it makes sense to work on your strengths and keep building on it.”
While Mariner’s strong start to 2024 will secure his place on the right wing, Arthars’ emergence from fringe player to grand finalist has locked down the opposite flank.
Jesse Arthars, here scoring a try against the Rabbitohs, seems to have locked up the other flank.Credit: Getty
Scoring a try and putting in the final kick for fullback Reece Walsh’s second to wrestle back momentum from the Rabbitohs, Arthars’ performance carried on from a standout outing in last year’s heartbreaking defeat to Penrith.
But the 25-year-old was adamant that with Mariner growing in stature and Oates waiting in the wings, he would need to continue his progress to remain among the elite.
“He [Mariner] does freaky things. It’s looking bright for the Broncs, and I’m just happy for Deino to put a few good games together and watch him grow,” Arthars said.
“He really works hard behind the scenes, he’s always doing his extras at training and picking the older boys’ brains. It’s good for me and Deino to lean on Oatsey – he plays a big role in helping us wingers out.”