“It’s with my manager” – Leeds Rhinos star on rumoured NRL move

Leeds Rhinos versatile star Rhyse Martin has weighed in on the transfer talk linking him with a move from Super League back to the NRL.

There had been murmurings down under and from Aaron Bower of the Papua New Guinea international making a return to the NRL with Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins named as the pursuant team.

Martin has now revealed to BBC Radio Leeds that any transfer talk will be dealt with by his manager, batting down any discussion but simply confirming he’s happy to be back in England with his family.

Serious About Rugby League had previously reported that Leeds Rhinos fans need not worry about losing their second-row star and it seems the 30-year-old has now confirmed that.

“So it’s all with my manager, he’s looking after all that. So my job is to turn up here and put my best foot forward for this team and do my job. I’m good at doing that and I enjoy doing that. So I’ll leave it all up to him,” Martin revealed to BBC Radio Leeds.

He also denied the notion of it being a distraction, stating: “Yeah, I’m happy. I’m at home, my family’s healthy and that’s all I can ask for. So happy.”

Speculation of Martin’s departure had come from the fact he is off contract at the end of the 2024 season coupled with his impressive performances for the Kumuls during the end-of-season internationals.

During those games, Martin became PNG’s most-capped player and he captained the side to victory over Fiji in the Pacific Championship Bowl Final, kicking a perfect six from six in the process.

Rhyse Martin to move back into second-row for Leeds Rhinos

Despite the fact that Martin is very adept at centre he looks set to return to his position of second-row in 2024, something that he is looking forward to knuckling down on as he faces a fight for the starting role.

“You’ve got Macca (James McDonnell), Bentos (James Bentley) and Ganno (Morgan Gannon). They’re always pushing for spots,” he explained.

“They were probably the main back rowers last year when I was in centre, so it’ll be a bit different for me now. They’re quality players and it’s a healthy, competitive spot for that back row.”

He racked up 10 tries in the centres and was one of the club’s better performers during a rollercoaster season but his focus is clear for 2024.

“I did enjoy it, I really did but yeah I think for me second row is something I can focus and narrow in on and really perfect that role,” Martin told BBC Radio Leeds.

Martin has been named by Rohan Smith in a strong squad for James Donaldson’s testimonial match against Hull KR this weekend with the PNG star set for his first run out of pre-season.