“I have learnt a lot and taken so much from going back to QCup,” Mariner said.
“It is hard to play first grade, but staying there and being consistent is another thing. I used to rely on a lot of talent, but I learned from what Madge is putting us through – that it is a lot of hard work and a lot of extras on and off the field.
“Those are the things I cleaned up and the things I have been focusing on.”
But Cobbo’s anticipated return from a hamstring injury has thrown a spanner in the works ahead of next Sunday’s final bid for a place in the decider.
Cobbo has been named on Wynnum Manly’s extended bench for their Queensland Cup preliminary final against Norths Devils, having not played since the round 23 defeat to the Storm.
The former Queensland Maroons flyer’s 2023 grand final wing partner Jesse Arthars has also been named in jersey No.19 for the Burleigh Bears.
Selwyn Cobbo is assisted from the field.Credit: Getty Images
While the incumbent five have proven lethal – combining for 92 games, 60 tries, 80 line-breaks and 404 tackle busts – Cobbo is a proven match-winner at his best, and has averaged 154 running metres and 4.5 tackle busts a game from just 15 NRL appearances this year.
A successful comeback could convince Maguire of injecting such strike power into his side in taking on the victor of the Panthers and Bulldogs semi-final showdown.
“He is a massive part of this squad and has been working really hard on his rehab to get himself back. He knows what he needs to do,” Mariner said.
“Who knows what opportunity arises again? You just never know.”
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
