Broncos doctor reveals the 1.30am call that led Deine Mariner to undergo 'limb saving surgery'

Broncos medical staff have revealed the rapid series of events that led Deine Mariner to undergo "limb saving surgery" on Sunday after the club's 38-24 loss to the Roosters.

Mariner lasted 34 minutes before he was pulled off the field with a hamstring concern, which was initially said to be a "bad cork". Hours later it was revealed that he had instead suffered an acute compartment syndrome injury - a painful build up of pressure within a muscle.

The 23-year-old sat on the sidelines and was not expected to return to play against the Roosters, but Josiah Karapani's injury in the 65th minute saw him injected into the game after proving to team medics that he was fit to run.

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Broncos chief medical officer Dr Matt Hislop confirmed that Mariner had undergone the necessary assessments and strapping before he returned to the field. However, when the team arrived back at their hotel just before midnight his quad was swollen.

"He was clinically OK, neuro-vascularly intact and able to finish dinner and go to bed," Hislop said in a statement on Monday.

At 1.30am, Hislop was then called to see Mariner and conducted an ultrasound in hopes of draining a hematoma but the swelling was already diffused in the muscle, meaning 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 injury," Hislop added.

"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."

Hislop expressed his gratitude on behalf of the club and Mariner for the care the winger received.

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

Post-match on Saturday, Michael Maguire admitted that Mariner "shouldn't of gone back on" but he impressed to see his players stand up and fight for each other.

"They are competing really hard for each other. They just need to be smarter," he said.

"It was a courageous effort... I'm proud of the way they go about things."

Mariner will not be the only absence from the Broncos line-up in round 10, with skipper Adam Reynolds also sidelined after suffering a category one concussion.

The Manly Sea Eagles will host Maguire's men on Saturday.