1,092 days.
That's how long it will have been between NRL appearances for Te Maire Martin when he lines up for the Brisbane Broncos on Friday.
A hamstring injury to first-choice fullback Tesi Niu has opened the door for Martin, who will make a long-awaited return to professional rugby league after a serious brain injury seemingly put an end to his career at age 23.
Martin - who was an exciting five-eighth prospect at the time - was forced to stop playing rugby league when bleeding was detected on his brain, leading to him announcing his retirement in early 2020.
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The Brisbane Broncos picked up the now 26-year-old on a one-year development list contract at the start of 2022, where he enjoyed playing time with affiliate club Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the Hostplus Cup.
“It‘s been a long two and a half years to get my career back on track," Martin said following his selection.
"When my scans came back giving me the all clear, I wanted to come back.
"You don‘t realise how much you miss the game and the boys until you are out of the game for two or three years."
The former New Zealand international debuted in the NRL for the Penrith Panthers in 2016 before moving to the North Queensland Cowboys the following year.
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 unexpected retirement.
Following a break from the game, he returned to rugby league late last year, where he spent time in various New Zealand-based competitions before being picked up by the Broncos.
“I was very emotional to come back and I‘m really enjoying it here at the Broncos," he said.
"Everything feels good, even going to the change rooms, just the smell of the dressing room, it brings all the memories back. It‘s been a long time out.’’
