The ripple-effect of Reece Walsh’s move to Brisbane has officially begun, with utility Te Maire Martin inking a three-year deal with the Warriors.
Martin returned to the game after a career-threatening injury this year and became an integral part of the Broncos side, filling it at fullback for Tesi Niu for an extended period and helping them climb towards the NRL top-four.
The 26-year-old was unsigned beyond 2022 and despite the club’s best interests to keep him at Red Hill, the impending arrival of whiz kid Walsh means he was unlikely to feature in the top grade long-term.
Martin is now likely to fill the shoes left by Walsh at the Warriors and wear the No.1 jumper next season in New Zealand.
Given his ability to cover multiple positions, Warriors CEO Cameron George praised the resilience and versatility of Martin.
“Te Maire’s comeback to the game has been outstanding and we’re delighted we’ve been able to bring him home to New Zealand to join the Vodafone Warriors,” he said.
“He’s another quality player who will further boost our roster for 2023.
“With his ability to play at fullback and in the halves he’s going to be a real asset for us.”
Confirmed: Te Maire Martin will be a Warrior in 2023 ✍??https://t.co/5Ibv5X8ZXk
— Vodafone Warriors (@NZWarriors) August 2, 2022
Martin has played four Tests for the Kiwis and over 60 games of first grade since making his debut back in 2016, and the disruptions in his career look to be in the rear-view mirror.
With the experienced, Shaun Johnson, young gun Ronald Volkman and multiple recruits moving across the ditch next year, new head coach Andrew Webster will have plenty of talent to utilise in his rookie campaign.