Leeds Rhinos Rhyse Martin set to make history on international stage

It’s a big weekend of international rugby league with the culmination of the England Tonga series at Headingley, whilst in the southern hemisphere the Pacific Championship finals will also be played, and with a Headingley connection as Leeds Rhinos’ Rhyse Martin will become Papua New Guinea’s all time most capped player.

Martin will make his 17th appearance for Papua New Guinea with the island nation set to face off against Fiji in Pacific Bowl final. The end of season internationals down under split into tier one and tier two competitions and Martin’s PNG now have the chance to lift silverware.

There’s yet another Leeds Rhinos connection as it will be Paul Aiton who Martin surpasses as PNG’s most capped player. Presently Martin is tied on 16 caps alongside Aiton, Hull FC assistant Stanley Gene, and John Wilshere who serves on the Kumuls’ coaching staff.

Leeds Rhinos shared the news of Martin’s impending record with a statement from former Rhino Aiton who said: “For him to have had the opportunity to wear the Kumuls jersey so many times is a great thing for him, and for the fans because it means that there is more international footy.”

That’s something that Martin himself attested to when speaking to NRL.com about his upcoming achievement as he explained: “I’ve been playing for the Kumuls since 2014, but we’ve only probably had one Test a year for five or six of those years, so it’s a pretty special moment.

“For me, it’s a good personal achievement, but I’m just happy that I’m still capable to play and make this team, so I’m just proud of that.”

As such Martin has seen a huge period of transition with PNG truly announcing themselves on the world stage since his debut and now boasting a number of NRL and Super League stars in their squad.

Talking about that debut, Martin shockingly revealed: “They didn’t have grass down the middle of the field, it was gravel. Everyone was just running to the sidelines because that’s where the grass was.

“It was a very special game for me. I was the one overseas player in that game, but fast forward to now, it is just a proud moment to see where the Kumuls were – and where we are now.”

The Super League contingent who represent PNG include Leigh Leopards’ stars Lachlan Lam and Edwin Ipape, whilst Martin’s former Rhinos teammate Nene Macdonald also will start on Sunday. Castleford Tigers pair Nixon Putt and Liam Horne make the bench, as does Tigers young winger Jason Qareqare who will be lining up against Martin as he represents Fiji,