Te Maire
Martin
Waikato product Te Maire Martin debuted for New Zealand at the end of his 2016 NRL rookie year, while he returned to Kiwis reckoning after a four-year absence following a remarkable, courageous comeback to the elite level in the wake of a career-threatening condition.
Born in Tokoroa and playing junior football Turangawaewae, Martin followed the well-worn path of promising Kiwis such as Benji Marshall to Keebra Park State High School on the Gold Coast and then onto Wests Tigers, where he earned consecutive NYC Team of the Year nods in 2014-15 and represented Junior Kiwis in both years.
The hot playmaking prospect was snapped up by Penrith and made his NRL debut as an 18-year-old in early-2016, memorably slotting the match-winning field goal against Brisbane. A shoulder injury snuffed out his campaign after just six games but he was nevertheless chosen in New Zealand's Four Nations squad, making his Test bow in an 18-all draw with Scotland.
Martin switched to North Queensland midway through 2017 after an injury rubbed out superstar half Johnathan Thurston. He played an integral role alongside Michael Morgan in the Cowboys' amazing run from eighth place to the grand final and scored his side's only try in the 34-6 loss to Melbourne Storm in the decider.
The elusive, skilful ball-player scored a hat-trick from five-eighth in New Zealand's World Cup demolition of Scotland and wore the No.6 jersey again as the Kiwis were bundled out of the tournament by Fiji in the quarter-finals. He also featured in the halves in the mid-2018 Test loss to England in Denver.
Despite the presence of Thurston and Morgan, Martin missed just one NRL game in 2018, regularly slotting in at fullback or as a bench utility. But after small bleed on his brain was detected during the 2019 season, he was sidelined indefinitely and announced his retirement in January 2020.
Martin returned to the field in 2021, however, turning out for Waikato Mana in the NZRL National Competition and subsequently picking up a deal with Brisbane Broncos for 2022. In an inspirational return, the 26-year-old was superb for the improving Broncos in 13 top-grade games at fullback, impressing sufficiently to receive a wider squad call-up for the Kiwis' mid-season Test against Tonga (he was not selected in the gameday 17) and secure a three-year contract with the Warriors from 2023.
The utility had a successful third NRL season with the Warriors in 2025, playing 17 matches and earning a late call-up to the Kiwis’ Pacific Championships squad after Round 1, following the withdrawals of Jeremy Marshall-King and Ronaldo Mulitalo due to injury. He played his first international Tests since 2017, coming off the bench as a replacement hooker against Tonga and again in the Grand Final facing Toa Samoa.
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Te Maire
Martin
Waikato product Te Maire Martin debuted for New Zealand at the end of his 2016 NRL rookie year, while he returned to Kiwis reckoning after a four-year absence following a remarkable, courageous comeback to the elite level in the wake of a career-threatening condition.
Born in Tokoroa and playing junior football Turangawaewae, Martin followed the well-worn path of promising Kiwis such as Benji Marshall to Keebra Park State High School on the Gold Coast and then onto Wests Tigers, where he earned consecutive NYC Team of the Year nods in 2014-15 and represented Junior Kiwis in both years.
The hot playmaking prospect was snapped up by Penrith and made his NRL debut as an 18-year-old in early-2016, memorably slotting the match-winning field goal against Brisbane. A shoulder injury snuffed out his campaign after just six games but he was nevertheless chosen in New Zealand's Four Nations squad, making his Test bow in an 18-all draw with Scotland.
Martin switched to North Queensland midway through 2017 after an injury rubbed out superstar half Johnathan Thurston. He played an integral role alongside Michael Morgan in the Cowboys' amazing run from eighth place to the grand final and scored his side's only try in the 34-6 loss to Melbourne Storm in the decider.
The elusive, skilful ball-player scored a hat-trick from five-eighth in New Zealand's World Cup demolition of Scotland and wore the No.6 jersey again as the Kiwis were bundled out of the tournament by Fiji in the quarter-finals. He also featured in the halves in the mid-2018 Test loss to England in Denver.
Despite the presence of Thurston and Morgan, Martin missed just one NRL game in 2018, regularly slotting in at fullback or as a bench utility. But after small bleed on his brain was detected during the 2019 season, he was sidelined indefinitely and announced his retirement in January 2020.
Martin returned to the field in 2021, however, turning out for Waikato Mana in the NZRL National Competition and subsequently picking up a deal with Brisbane Broncos for 2022. In an inspirational return, the 26-year-old was superb for the improving Broncos in 13 top-grade games at fullback, impressing sufficiently to receive a wider squad call-up for the Kiwis' mid-season Test against Tonga (he was not selected in the gameday 17) and secure a three-year contract with the Warriors from 2023.
The utility had a successful third NRL season with the Warriors in 2025, playing 17 matches and earning a late call-up to the Kiwis’ Pacific Championships squad after Round 1, following the withdrawals of Jeremy Marshall-King and Ronaldo Mulitalo due to injury. He played his first international Tests since 2017, coming off the bench as a replacement hooker against Tonga and again in the Grand Final facing Toa Samoa.
PROFILE
Height M
181
WEIGHT KG
87
DOB
Oct 2, 1995
HIGHLIGHTS
Test matches
6
Test points
12
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS (2023-2024)
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The Unique Training Regime Fuelling Te Maire Martin’s Kiwis Return
As seen on NRL.com
Surfing and pig hunting — it’s not your typical preparation for an international Test, but that’s exactly the platform Te Maire Martin has used to work his way back into the Black & White jersey.
The utility back was enjoying an end-of-season break when Kiwis coach Stacey Jones put out an urgent call after injuries hit the squad. Martin didn’t hesitate. He answered the call and is now gearing up to pull on the Kiwis jersey for the first time since 2018 when New Zealand face Tonga XIII at Eden Park.
“When we finished up our [Warriors] interviews, Stacey said I’d be in the wider squad and to keep training,” Martin explained. “So I was doing a bit of pig hunting and a bit of surfing. Surfing for me is training — it’s hard work. I was on holiday with the missus when he rang up to see if I could come in. I was keen to be in this environment and it gave me a week to get back into training. We were in Fiji but I’m always happy to come in, even if I wasn’t playing. It was always going to be a yes.”
Martin’s journey back into the Kiwis set-up has been far from straightforward. A standout youngster, he represented the Junior Kiwis and famously kicked a game-winning field goal in 2014. He made his Test debut two years later, but his career was abruptly halted in 2019 when scans revealed a brain bleed that forced him into early retirement. Against all odds, he returned to the NRL in 2022 and has since re-established himself as one of the most dependable playmakers in the competition.
Now 29, Martin says the time away has given him perspective — and a deeper appreciation of what it means to wear the fern. “It’s always an honour to be in this environment. The games I played for the Kiwis were a while ago. I remember them going so fast. They get you too excited and there’s so much adrenaline going through you.”
His recall comes at a critical moment for the Kiwis, with injuries testing the squad’s depth. Named on the bench, Martin’s versatility offers Stacey Jones flexibility across the halves and fullback roles. He’s also bringing the same energy and calm presence that have made him a leader at the Warriors.
“I’m rooming with Te Maire, so hopefully he brings the energy that he brings around camp into the game,” said teammate Dylan Brown. “That’s him — that’s his role. Bringing energy is what we want from our 14.”
For Kiwi fans, Martin’s return is more than just a selection — it’s a story of resilience and readiness. It’s proof that even when life throws challenges your way, the door can always reopen if you stay prepared. His comeback reflects the strength of character that continues to define the Kiwis jersey — one built on hard work, humility, and pride in representing Aotearoa.
As the team prepares for a massive clash at Eden Park, Martin’s inclusion adds both experience and spark. Whether it’s chasing down kicks, injecting energy off the bench, or steadying the attack, his presence embodies what it means to be a Kiwi: tough, grounded, and always ready when called upon.
Biography
Last updated:
November 20, 2025
Waikato product Te Maire Martin debuted for New Zealand at the end of his 2016 NRL rookie year, while he returned to Kiwis reckoning after a four-year absence following a remarkable, courageous comeback to the elite level in the wake of a career-threatening condition.
Born in Tokoroa and playing junior football Turangawaewae, Martin followed the well-worn path of promising Kiwis such as Benji Marshall to Keebra Park State High School on the Gold Coast and then onto Wests Tigers, where he earned consecutive NYC Team of the Year nods in 2014-15 and represented Junior Kiwis in both years.
The hot playmaking prospect was snapped up by Penrith and made his NRL debut as an 18-year-old in early-2016, memorably slotting the match-winning field goal against Brisbane. A shoulder injury snuffed out his campaign after just six games but he was nevertheless chosen in New Zealand's Four Nations squad, making his Test bow in an 18-all draw with Scotland.
Martin switched to North Queensland midway through 2017 after an injury rubbed out superstar half Johnathan Thurston. He played an integral role alongside Michael Morgan in the Cowboys' amazing run from eighth place to the grand final and scored his side's only try in the 34-6 loss to Melbourne Storm in the decider.
The elusive, skilful ball-player scored a hat-trick from five-eighth in New Zealand's World Cup demolition of Scotland and wore the No.6 jersey again as the Kiwis were bundled out of the tournament by Fiji in the quarter-finals. He also featured in the halves in the mid-2018 Test loss to England in Denver.
Despite the presence of Thurston and Morgan, Martin missed just one NRL game in 2018, regularly slotting in at fullback or as a bench utility. But after small bleed on his brain was detected during the 2019 season, he was sidelined indefinitely and announced his retirement in January 2020.
Martin returned to the field in 2021, however, turning out for Waikato Mana in the NZRL National Competition and subsequently picking up a deal with Brisbane Broncos for 2022. In an inspirational return, the 26-year-old was superb for the improving Broncos in 13 top-grade games at fullback, impressing sufficiently to receive a wider squad call-up for the Kiwis' mid-season Test against Tonga (he was not selected in the gameday 17) and secure a three-year contract with the Warriors from 2023.
The utility had a successful third NRL season with the Warriors in 2025, playing 17 matches and earning a late call-up to the Kiwis’ Pacific Championships squad after Round 1, following the withdrawals of Jeremy Marshall-King and Ronaldo Mulitalo due to injury. He played his first international Tests since 2017, coming off the bench as a replacement hooker against Tonga and again in the Grand Final facing Toa Samoa.
fixtures & results
