Penrith Panthers’ Te Maire Martin shrugs off broken shoulder to push for No. 6 jersey

A BULKED up Te Maire Martin has shrugged off concerns surrounding his shoulder to put his hand up to partner Nathan Cleary in the halves at Penrith.

TE MAIRE Martin has shrugged off concerns surrounding his shoulder to put his hand up to partner Nathan Cleary in the halves at Penrith.

Injury cruelled Martin’s debut season in the NRL last year, but despite finishing the season in NSW Cup he did enough to book a spot with the Kiwis in the end of year Four Nations tournament.

The serious shoulder injured soured a dream season for Martin, which included six first-grade games and a Test debut.

Martin is sanguine about a tough 2016. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“Making my debut and playing the games I did play was a dream come true,” Martin said. “Getting injured put a spanner in the works.

“I wasn’t happy about it. It wasn’t a good time getting told I would be out for the whole year. I was fortunate enough to come back and get a few games in the NSW Cup. It’s a lot better than being out for the whole year.

“I got to start earlier than I thought and got into the Kiwis was good. I learnt from guys like Shaun Johnson and Thomas Leuluai — guys I’ve watched on TV so to get to play alongside them was huge. I can’t say it was the worst year I’ve ever had.”

Martin finished the year in reserve grade despite making an earlier than anticipated return from the fractured shoulder.

Coach Anthony Griffin resisted the temptation to rush Martin back into first grade, instead the 21-year-old was forced to watch on as fellow rookie Cleary shone. Back-rower Bryce Cartwright filled the void left by Martin, but a bulked-up Martin wants his No.6 jersey back.

“I got told I wasn’t going to play again last year,” Martin said. “Getting any game time was a step in the right direction. I was trying to get my shoulder ready. That’s why I didn’t get back to first grade.

“There is a little bit more rehab to do but it should be back to normal in a couple of weeks. Playing first grade wouldn’t have done it any good. The players up there were so strong, and fast. I wasn’t up to the fitness. I’ve worked on my shoulder. It’s pretty much back to normal. I can finally do some weights.

“There are a few halves looking for that spot. I’ve got to try and impress the coach as much as I can. I’d like to have the No.6 jersey come round one.”

With extra bulk, Martin dcould be a great weapon for Penrith. Pic: Mark Evans

Martin has added four kilograms to his frame as he looks to increase his durability. He will spend the pre-season working closely alongside Cleary who he is yet to play alongside at any level.

“Hopefully come round one if I train and get that No.6 jersey we’ll hopefully play alongside each other,” Martin said. “He is a super talent and so calm. Even stuff he does at training, it blows me away how someone so young can do that stuff.”