Hull KR forward Rhyse Martin has insisted that he has had ‘no doubts at all’ regarding his decision to retire at the end of the season, whilst also underlining how special it will be for him to captain his nation at this year’s World Cup.
Martin will have at least two more games for Hull KR, potentially more if they make the play-offs, and then he’ll have at least three games for Papua New Guinea at the World Cup, and potentially more if they make the semi-finals.
That means there is a minimum of five games to go in Martin’s impressive career, one that has seen him tie the record for the most consecutive goal kicks, whilst also completing the treble with Hull KR in 2025.
Speaking to media last week, Martin was asked if he’d had any second thoughts about the decision to hang up the boots, and he was unequivocal: “No doubts at all. I’m very content. I’ve been very fortunate to be able to play a game for so long and be a part of something very special last year with KR and winning the quad.
“I’ve been able to do some great personal achievements in the game, and it’s given me a lot. Nothing’s changed there, I‘ve just been really focused in here at the club and trying not to get caught up in the next few years or what’s ahead.
“I’m just really enjoying my time here and trying to really enjoy the last few games. So very, very content with the decision, but also very focused in doing my job for the team.”
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Hull KR hero Rhyse Martin looks ahead to World Cup
Of course, finishing the domestic season isn’t the very end for Martin, with the second-rower set to captain Papua New Guinea at the World Cup, an honour that the Hull KR man has spoken about.
“It gives me goosebumps,” he admitted. I love playing for my country. It’s something I look forward to every year, and something that I will always remember, and I will miss it. I’ve loved every moment I’ve got to play for PNG.”
Making matters more special at this World Cup is that the Kumuls will play two of their three games in Port Moresby, with Martin adding: “Playing in PNG as well, we’ve got two games there. It’s going to be amazing.
“We did two games in 2017 in the World Cup, and the atmosphere there was incredible, so I’m looking forward to that. We’ve got Lebanon and Samoa there, so hopefully some big turnouts and hopefully some good performances and wins.”
Papua New Guinea will play their group games against Lebanon, Samoa and England, with that third and final game a huge one in the context of just how many PNG players ply their trade in England.
On that growing list, Martin said: “We’ve got a few young guys, Gairo [Voro], Finlay [Glare]. Gairo [debuted] last year, with his first year with the Kumuls, and Finlay’s been there for one or two years. They’ve got some flair and something about them.
“Morea [Morea], he’s coming back from a hamstring at the moment, but he’s been playing great all year.”
All of those players are at London, who are coached by the Kumuls boss Jason Demetriou, and Martin admitted: “I think JD, the plan was to get a lot of the boys over, get them some coaching and week in, week out, footy. Last year in the [Pacific] Championship, we kind of struggled a little bit in terms of – a lot of the team were in and out with injuries and performances.
“This year has been a big focus on everyone coming into international camp, coming off big years of good seasons wherever they were playing and taking that into the World Cup.
“When we get there, it’s just getting connected again, getting back together as a team. We’re confident as a nation that we can do really well in the World Cup, so it’s about getting back in there and building for those big games.”
