The story behind how Leeds Rhinos star Rhyse Martin became a goal kicking forward
Tonga v Papua New Guinea 2022 Rugby League World Cup 18/10/2022. Pool D Goal for Rhyse Martin for Papua New Guinea during the 2022 Rugby League World Cup match between Tonga and Papua New Guinea at Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens, United Kingdom on 18 October 2022. St Helens Totally Wicked Stadium Merseyside United Kingdom Editorial use only PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK , Copyright: xRichardxWalkerx PSI-16153-0015
Leeds Rhinos star Rhyse Martin now holds a world record alongside Liam Finn and Jamie Ellis.
He kicked 41 goals in a row without missing from July with the Rhinos at the Magic Weekend against Castleford Tigers all the way to the Rugby League World Cup with the Papua New Guinea.
Perhaps the best goal kicker in Super League at present, Martin explained how he became the rare commodity of a goal kicking forward to Serious About Rugby League earlier this season:
“I was signed at the Bulldogs and playing reserve grade and the first game of the year we had a goal kicker. He has one kick missed it and he said ‘I don’t want to do this anymore’ so they gave it to the next bloke, he had a shot and missed it. So I said ‘give me the tee I’ll do it’ and that’s it from then on I started kicking.
“I kicked a little during my junior footy but I never really thought I’d end up taking the reigns and being as good as I was. I just got the opportunity and worked really hard practicing and I just enjoy it and love doing it which helps and confidence too.”
He was the long term answer to Leeds’ goal kicking situation following the retirement of Super League’s all time leading goal kicker and points scorer Kevin Sinfield.
His Super League record can continue in 2023 despite the fact he missed in the World Cup.
In the Grand Final he went two passed the record set by Wakefield Trinity’s Mason Lino.