Ex-New Zealand international to make stunning rugby league comeback after bleed on the brain

Former NRL and New Zealand international Te Maire Martin is set to make a stunning rugby league comeback, just two years after suffering a bleed on the brain which led to his retirement.

Martin has signed a one-year development contract with the Brisbane Broncos and will also be available for Brisbane’s feeder team Wynnum-Manly in the second-tier Queensland Cup.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a stellar start to his NRL career back in 2016 with the Penrith Panthers – making 13 appearances and scoring four tries – before making the move to the North Queensland Cowboys.

Such was his influence at his new club that he featured in the Cowboys’ Grand Final loss in 2017.

The Kiwi retired on medical advice in early 2020, but he has been slowly plugging away for a return to the game after rejoining the amateur game in New Zealand.

Now, though, he has been given the all-clear to return – and what an incredible return it will be.

“It’s great to see Te Maire back in an NRL system,” said Broncos football manager Ben Ikin to the West Australian.

“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.”