Rugby League News: Leeds Rhinos’ Rhyse Martin Faces Uncertain Future
Leeds Rhinos Confirm Ryan Hall’s Return, But Rhyse Martin’s Future Uncertain
The Leeds Rhinos were quick to confirm Ryan Hall’s return to Headingley for the 2025 season, but the club now faces a crucial challenge in retaining their star players, particularly Rhyse Martin. The second-row/centre has been a consistent performer for the Rhinos, establishing himself as one of the most reliable players in the squad.
Martin’s statistics speak for themselves. The Papua New Guinean international has made over 100 appearances for Leeds, including 25 or more in each of the last three seasons, and has featured in all 12 games so far in 2024. His kicking prowess has also been a valuable asset, with Martin previously setting a Super League record for the most successful conversions in a row.
“With 912 points accumulated during his time at Headingley, Martin is on the verge of reaching the 1,000-point milestone, a feat that could be achieved by the end of the current season.”
However, his future remains uncertain, as the player is off-contract and has been subject to transfer rumors, particularly from clubs in Australia’s NRL.
Potential Destinations for Rhyse Martin
The strongest link suggests a potential move to the NRL’s newest team, the Dolphins. Leeds head coach Rohan Smith has acknowledged the ongoing discussions regarding Martin and center Luis Roberts, stating that they are “works in progress” at the moment.
Another intriguing possibility could be a move to the Leigh Leopards. The club has strong connections to Papua New Guinea, with players such as Edwin Ipape and the father-son duo of Adrian and Lachlan Lam on their roster. With a quota spot available and several players off-contract, the Leopards may be bold enough to make a play for Martin’s services.
Alternatively, the possibility of Martin playing a final season at Leeds Rhinos before potentially joining a future Papua New Guinea-based NRL side cannot be ruled out. Discussions around the establishment of an 18th NRL team based in the island nation have been gathering momentum, and Martin has expressed his enthusiasm for such a development, stating its potential to inspire the next generation of rugby league players in the country.
As the 2024 season progresses, the future of Rhyse Martin will undoubtedly remain a topic of interest for rugby league enthusiasts, with various potential destinations on the horizon for the versatile and influential player.
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