Rugby League News: Leeds Rhinos Determined to Keep Influential Star Rhyse Martin
Leeds Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith has made the club’s stance clear on the future of star second-rower Rhyse Martin. Recent reports had suggested that the Papua New Guinea international had received a “lucrative offer” from the Leigh Leopards, potentially putting his future at Headingley in jeopardy.
Martin, who joined the Rhinos in 2019, has been a consistent performer for the club, often switching between the centers and the second row due to injury concerns. During his time in England, the 29-year-old has racked up nearly 120 appearances and amassed over 900 points for the Blue and Amber.
However, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season, Martin has emerged as one of the most highly sought-after free agents in Super League. While the Dolphins from the NRL had been previously linked with the second-rower, it seems the Leigh Leopards have now made their move.
In response to the speculation, Rohan Smith was unequivocal in his stance, stating:
“We want Rhyse to stay. Rhyse has been made an offer and that’s something that, along with a few other players, Ian [Blease] will get his head around when he’s in the building and we’ll discuss that and take the course of action as it goes. But we want Rhyse to stay.”
The task of retaining Martin now falls to newly-appointed Rhinos CEO Ian Blease, who will undoubtedly have his work cut out for him. As Smith acknowledged, “there’s always plenty going on” at a club the size of Leeds, but keeping hold of their influential second-rower has to be Blease’s top priority.
With Martin’s proven track record of match-winning performances and his proficiency with the boot, Leeds Rhinos will be determined to fend off the Leigh Leopards’ advances and secure the long-term future of one of their most valuable assets.
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