Revealed: The call that saved Deine Mariner's limb

The Brisbane Broncos have revealed how close Deine Mariner came to losing his right leg.

During Saturday's clash against the Sydney Roosters, the 23-year-old sustained a corky in his right quad during the first half, which he managed to play through in the second half.

Following the match, the pain in his quad worsened, resulting in a call to the Broncos' CMO (Chief Medical Officer), Dr Matt Hislop, at 1:30am.

And following an ultrasound, the extent of the injury was revealed, resulting in an ambulance called for the centre.

Once at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, doctors performed surgery to help save the limb.

In a club statement, Dr. Hislop revealed how close the centre came to losing his leg.

"I wanted to give a shout out of thanks for the care that the Broncos and Deine in particular got from the wonderful staff at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning," he said.

"It is very important to put out a timeline of how quickly this (thankfully rare) injury can progress and Deine has provided his consent for his situation to be shared.

"Deine sustained a nasty cork to his right quad late in the first half of the Roosters game and was assessed, strapped and padded before showing he could run.

"He kept the leg mobile and remained available, returning to the field with 15 minutes to go in the second half.

"By the time we were in the hotel just before midnight his quad was swollen, but he was clinically OK, neuro-vascularly intact and able to finish dinner and go to bed.

"I was called to see Deine at 1:30am and it was obvious that his thigh had deteriorated. He was in significant pain, and the thigh was very firm.

"We performed an ultrasound in the hope of draining a hematoma, but the swelling was diffused within the muscle, and there was nothing to drain. 

"Thankfully, Deine still had functioning nerves and arteries in his leg, but it was apparent he was developing an acute compartment syndrome and an ambulance was called.

"Paramedics were able to provide much needed pain relief and Deine was transferred to the RPA ED department where doctors were able to measure the pressure inside the muscle, which was quite elevated. 

"A decision was made to perform limb saving surgery and Deine was taken to theatre in the early hours of Sunday morning. 

"The length of recovery will be determined as the swelling in the muscle resolves. 

"Both Deine and myself would like to thank all of the paramedics, nurses, ED doctors and trauma surgeons for their exceptional care."