Te Maire Martin to make NRL return after bleed on the brain
New Zealand international Te Maire Martin is coming back to the NRL after a bleed on the brain in 2019 forced him to retire.
The former North Queensland Cowboys half-back had his career tragically cut short at the age of just 23 following a bleed on the brain in April 2019.
Martin burst onto the scene in 2016 with Penrith Panthers and joined the Cowboys the following year. He helped them reach the 2017 NRL Grand Final.
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The Waikato-born playmaker made 55 appearances before his career sadly came to an end. He returned home to New Zealand after announcing his retirement in January 2020.
Martin scored three tries in four international appearances for New Zealand. He was part of the Kiwis squad in the 2017 World Cup.
Martin spent time away from the sport before playing games in the local league and then in New Zealand’s National Competition.
He will now make a stunning NRL comeback after passing a final medical clearance. Martin has linked up with Brisbane Broncos on a one-year development list contract. He has also signed with Brisbane’s feeder team Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the Queensland Cup.
Broncos boss delighted to see Te Maire Martin return
Broncos head of football Ben Ikin said: “It’s great to see Te Maire back in an NRL system.
“Prior to his brain injury he was one hell of a player – hugely skilful, and a very dangerous ball runner.
“Te Maire joins us on a development list contract and I’ve no doubt will be pushing some of our other notable candidates to partner Adam Reynolds in the halves.”
The 2022 NRL season gets underway on March 10, with champions Penrith taking on Manly Sea Eagles. Martin’s Broncos face South Sydney Rabbitohs in round one.
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