'I'VE GOT A LOT OF CONFIDENCE AND FAITH IN HIM': MARTIN MAKES MARK AS WARRIORS' LEAD PLAYMAKER

NZ Warriors have confirmed Te Maire Martin will again lead the side as chief playmaker, when they travel to Sydney take on Canterbury Bulldogs this weekend.

In the injury absence of injured star Shaun Johnson, Martin, 28, set up four tries and scored one himself during their win over Brisbane Broncos, and coach Andrew Webster says that form makes him worthy of being the long-term Warriors halfback. 

"The reason why I hope Te Maire Martin is [the long-term halfback] is because I hope he just keeps playing great footy," said Webster. "I've got a lot of confidence and faith in him." 

So far, Martin has only had the chance to wear the No.7 jersey when incumbent playmaker Johnson has been injured. The veteran be out of action for at least three more weeks, as he rehabs his troublesome Achilles.

"One thing I've learnt about rugby league is a week in rugby league is a long time," added Webster. "I think there's an opportunity for all our halves to have a role at some stage, and when and how that looks, I'll decide at the time."

At the moment, the best foot forward is through the boot of Martin.  

"Webby's made my role really clear, and its nice and simple," said Martin. 

While he may have his feet on the field, Johnson's still got the brains.  

"He tells me a lot of the stuff, even at half-time. He said just to look for Roger [Tuivasa-Sheck], when I did the early kick."

"People are probably saying I had made a good kick there, but they had it all planned out ."

The reigning first-choice halfback is still clearly making a massive impact and, upon return, could provide a selection headache for the head coach  

"He's a gifted player and he's very smart, so I'm glad he's around," said Webster.  

The rest of Webster's squad is unchanged from that which beat Brisbane, as the team eye another leap up the NRL ladder.

Warriors: 1-Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2-Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3-Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 4-Adam Pompey, 5-Marcelo Montoya, 6-Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7-Te Maire Martin, 8-Addin Fonua-Blake, 9-Wayde Egan, 10-Mitchell Barnett, 11-Marata Niukore, 12-Kurt Capewell, 13-Tohu Harris

Interchange: 14-Freddy Lussick, 15-Dylan Walker, 16-Jazz Tevaga, 17-Jackson Ford, 18-Jacob Laban, 20-Taine Tuaupiki, 21-Ali Leaiataua, 22-Bunty Afoa, 23-Leka Halasima

2024-07-02T06:23:28Z dg43tfdfdgfd