- Heartwarming announcement made on social media
Surfing legend Mark Occhilupo has revealed his daughter is engaged to premiership-winning Brisbane Broncos star Deine Mariner.
Mariner has been with Occhilupo’s daughter, Grace Kama, since late 2021.
Occhilupo, who stamped himself as one of Australia’s greatest sporting talents when he won the world title in 1999, announced the pair’s engagement on Instagram over the weekend.
‘Congratulations Deine & Grace,’ he captioned his post, which featured a new photo of the couple.
‘Popped the big Q this afternoon and it was a yes.
‘(I’m) so happy for you guys. Lots of love in the family right now & forever.’
Deine Mariner is pictured with his new fiancée Grace Kama, the daughter of Aussie surfing legend Mark Occhilupo
Mariner (pictured) tasted premiership glory with the Broncos last year and is one of the NRL’s brightest talents
Mark Occhilupo (pictured with wife Mae Monteiro) is a sporting cult hero Down Under
Occhilupo was one of surfing’s biggest names in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
He also made headlines in the last decade after detailing his battle with alcohol and depression.
After rising to No.1 in the world aged just 17, he retreated from the spotlight in his 20s as he turned to the bottle.
His weight ballooned and became a ‘shell of himself’ before returning to the professional tour in 1995.
The proud dad’s post has since received more than 1000 likes and many heartfelt congratulations.
But one message from former Bra Boys member Koby Abberton stood out.
‘Do you have 47 kids or what Occ,’ the controversial surfer joked.
Mariner and Kama have ridden the wave of the Broncos winger’s whirlwind career so far.
The youngster made his NRL debut in 2022 but didn’t establish himself as a regular first-grader until 2024.
He played a major role in the Broncos’ run to the premiership last year, scoring two tries in Brisbane’s grand final win over the Storm.
Mariner and Kama (pictured) have been together since late 2021
The couple (pictured) have been snapped attending several high-profile events together
Kama’s dad (pictured) won the world title in 1999
After the team from Red Hill claimed victory against the Melbourne Storm in last year’s NRL decider, Kama took to social media to heap praise on her man.
‘Keep pinching myself for you. So many tears this year and it makes this all feel that little bit sweeter,’ she wrote.
‘You’re my best friend and I want all your dreams to come true.’
Mariner and Kama are yet to declare their engagement on their personal social media accounts.