Te Maire Martin is making a return to the NRL two years after his career was abruptly ended following a brain injury.
The exciting five-eighth was forced to stop playing rugby at age 23 when bleeding was detected on his brain.
Now, at 26-years-old, Martin has been picked up by the Brisbane Broncos on a one-year development list contract.
He has also signed with affiliate club Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the Hostplus Cup.
Te Maire Martin scores in his @nthqldcowboys debut! #NRLRaidersCowboys 6-all after 14 minutes. #NRL pic.twitter.com/0mo48kZ6Z8
— NRL (@NRL) July 1, 2017
The former New Zealand international debuted in the NRL for the Penrith Panthers in 2016, where he scored a try and kicked a winning field-goal in his first game.
Midway through 2017, he moved to the North Queensland Cowboys where he had another memorable debut, scoring a double for his new side.
He helped the Townsville-based side to the 2017 Grand Final and scored his team's only try in their loss against the Melbourne Storm.
Martin made 55 appearances before his career was cut short, announcing his retirement in January 2020.
Following a break from the game, he returned to rugby league late last year, where he spent time in various New Zealand-based competitions.
He has now passed a final medical clearance, allowing him to join the Broncos ahead of their 2022 campaign.
Speaking on the club's official website, Broncos head of football Ben Ikin is hoping Martin will challenge the existing first-team players.
"It's great to see Te Maire back in an NRL system," Ikin said.
"Prior to his brain injury he was one hell of a player ... hugely skilful, and a very dangerous ball runner.
"Te Maire joins us on a development list contract and I've no doubt will be pushing some of our other notable candidates to partner Adam Reynolds in the halves."
