'I saw my leg was still there': Broncos star lifts lid on first thoughts when he woke up after emergency surgery

Deine Mariner had little time to take in that he may lose his leg and his rugby league career all at once after being diagnosed with acute compartment syndrome earlier this month.

Mariner was rushed to hospital in the early hours of the morning after the Broncos loss to the Roosters, having played through what was then believed to be a bad cork in his thigh.

A total of six surgeries was required to treat the acute compartment syndrome injury - a build up of pressure within the muscle that restricts blood flow - Mariner had suffered before doctors cleared him to return home with his family to Brisbane.

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There had been reports that Mariner could have lost his limb had the injury not been discovered, but the 23-year-old was not going to take that as an option for his future.

"It was briefly discussed but I got rushed into surgery, so I didn't really understand what was happening," he told media on Wednesday, speaking for the first time since his injury.

"All I knew was there was a lot of pressure in my leg and the blood flow was starting to stop. I didn't even think of (losing my leg) as an option until they checked for a pulse in my foot. I was thinking 'just do the surgery so I can get it over and done with'.

"The first two surgeries they opened up my leg to release pressure, than the next four surgeries they had to close it little by little. They couldn't close it up all at once because there was a high chance it could happen again.

"When I woke up I saw my leg was still there. I was like 'oh, that would've been pretty bad if I woke up and it wasn't there'. It was all fine but, so I am grateful for that."

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Mariner had never heard of acute compartment syndrome until Broncos doctors gave him an early diagnosis at 2.30am on Sunday, just hours after the game.

The gun centre contemplated his decision to call team physio Luke Anning and doctor Matt Hislop to his room that morning, but he is now grateful they came to his aid.

"I am pretty lucky to be in this position," Mariner said.

"I know people say that I could've [lost my leg] but I didn't.

"I had so much time to think (about my future) ... I tried to keep it as positive as I could. I was looking at the bright things, like how I was still breathing and alive.

"And being in the ICU I saw other people who won't get a second chance.

"It was pretty full on but I had a pretty good support group around me. The club was so good to me and my family. I am in a pretty good headspace."

Mariner expressed his gratitude for the doctors and medical professionals who have helped him along the way, as well as those working with him on his recovery program.

At the moment, he still cannot completely bend his leg, however, he is hopeful that he will be a chance of returning for the Broncos in two months time.

"We are looking around the eight-week mark (to return). I just have to take it day by day," he said.

"That (timeline) gives me a bit more hunger to get back out there, but at the same time, I want to make sure I am putting myself in a good position with my body."

Mariner added: "I didn't feel any pressure to go back out there (against the Roosters), that was my own decision. I knew I could play. I am never not going to play for this team.

"I can't speak for anyone else, I can only speak for myself, but I don't feel any pressure to play through injuries."