“He’s reaping the rewards, he’s tightened a few things off the field around preparation, and he’s absolutely killing it – I couldn’t be prouder of him.
“He came here through a mate of mine who’s a manager, and I’m super excited seeing how he’s going, and he’s playing some fantastic football.”
When Karapani earned his NRL recall, Burt was still flushed with options, as Deine Mariner and Jesse Arthars also donned the purple and white colours in 2025.
Arthars has been named as the Broncos’ 18th man for their preliminary final battle with the Panthers on Sunday, while Mariner has been dealt the task of opposing Penrith star Brian To’o.
While Mariner has featured for Brisbane 17 times this year, he found himself on the outer twice this season – demoted following the heavy round 13 loss to Manly, having been initially down the pecking order behind Arthars, Selwyn Cobbo, Gehamat Shibasaki and Kotoni Staggs.
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But the Kiwi prospect’s comeback in round 22 has triggered some of the best form of his career – scoring six tries while making seven linebreaks and averaging 164.57 metres a game from those seven encounters.
His and Karapani’s exploits have kept both Queensland Maroons squad members Cobbo and Arthars – the last wingers to feature in a Brisbane decider – out of the Broncos’ most important fight.
“Their attitude was just fantastic – they bought into the playing group, bought into what we were doing, and they’re still supporting us now,” Burt said.
“We’re still getting text messages from them wishing the boys all the best. We knew Deino was just coming back to get some form back, and he bought in and scored some unbelievable tries for us.
“But he needs to be playing Sunday afternoon for the Broncs.”
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