Barrie McDermott Urges Leeds Rhinos to Retain Rhyse Martin
Barrie McDermott, a former Leeds Rhinos player and 2004 Grand Final winner, has strongly urged the club’s hierarchy to keep Rhyse Martin at Headingley beyond the current season. McDermott warned that “letting him leave would be a huge mistake” for the Rhinos.
Martin, a 31-year-old forward, has emerged as one of Leeds’ most influential players since joining the club from NRL side Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in June 2019 on a two-and-a-half-year contract. His current deal expires at the end of 2024, and he is attracting interest from rival clubs in Super League and the NRL.
McDermott, who has been around the Leeds Rhinos environment, believes that Martin has become a true “Leeds lad” due to his passion for the club and the famous blue and amber jersey. He highlighted Martin’s versatility, goalkicking abilities, and his positive influence on the team’s culture as key factors in why Leeds should retain the player.
“The quicker they can get Rhyse Martin signed up the better because his influence on the environment at Leeds Rhinos is huge,” McDermott said. “Everyone talks about culture and I think Rhyse leads that culture at Headingley. He’s a very selfless player who puts the team first.”
Former Leeds boss Rohan Smith recently revealed that the club have made an offer to Martin to extend his stay at Headingley beyond the current season. McDermott emphasized that it would be a “massive mistake” for the Rhinos if they fail to keep hold of the influential forward.
Meanwhile, McDermott believes that the upcoming Super League fixture between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves in Las Vegas next March could give those two clubs an advantage in player recruitment for the 2025 season. He believes the unique opportunity to play in this “extravaganza” will be an attractive proposition for many players.
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