Martin’s Continued Contribution to the Warriors

Te Maire Martin, the One New Zealand Warriors halfback, has extended his contract with the club, committing to stay until the end of the 2027 NRL season. This new agreement adds another year to his current deal, which had previously been extended for the 2026 campaign.

Martin’s journey this season began with a delayed start due to a broken leg. However, he has since played a crucial role, stepping into the halfback position for the Warriors’ last six matches. His return followed an injury to Tanah Boyd, whose season concluded early in May during the Magic Round clash against the Broncos due to an ACL knee injury.

Andrew McFadden, the One New Zealand Warriors general manager of recruitment, pathways, and development, expressed satisfaction with Martin’s extension. McFadden highlighted Martin’s contributions, noting his ability as a player, his attitude, passion for the game, and his determination to overcome challenges. Since joining the club in 2023, Martin has been a key contributor.

In his six appearances this season, Martin has demonstrated his impact on the field. He has scored four tries, provided seven try assists, made five line breaks, and recorded 19 tackle breaks. His average performance includes 91 metres gained and 23 tackles per game.

Andrew Webster, the One New Zealand Warriors head coach, also shared his confidence in Martin. Webster described Martin as a team-first player who is always willing to assist when needed. He praised Martin’s seamless transition into the halfback role after Boyd’s injury, despite his own late start to the season.

Martin has overcome various setbacks throughout his career. Last year, he reached his 100th NRL career appearance. He is also set to play his 50th game for the One New Zealand Warriors in their round 20 match against the Dragons at Go Media Stadium on July 18.

Career Highlights and Player Profile

Born on October 2, 1995, in Tokoroa, NZ, Martin’s junior club was Turangawaewae. He is capable of playing in multiple positions, including halfback, standoff, and fullback. His previous clubs include the Penrith Panthers (2016-2017), North Queensland Cowboys (2017-2019), and Brisbane Broncos (2022).

Martin made his NRL debut for Penrith against Brisbane at Panthers Stadium in Penrith on March 19, 2016, during Round 3. His Warriors debut was against Newcastle at Sky Stadium in Wellington on March 3, 2023, in Round 1, where he wore the Warriors No. 274 jersey.

Throughout his NRL career from 2016-2019 and 2022-2026, Martin has made 116 appearances. This includes 13 games for the Penrith Panthers (2016-2017), 42 games for the North Queensland Cowboys (2017-2019), and 13 games for the Brisbane Broncos (2022). For the One New Zealand Warriors, he has played 48 games between 2023-2026.

Martin has accumulated 97 NRL points, consisting of 24 tries and 1 field goal. On the representative stage, he has played 6 Tests for the Kiwis from 2016-2025 and has also represented the Māori All Stars in 2024 and 2026.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s Extension and Impact

In related news, winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has also extended his stay with the One New Zealand Warriors until the end of the 2028 NRL season. This extension will see him complete an eight-year tenure with the club. He recently marked his 100th NRL game in Warriors colours, becoming the 33rd player to achieve this milestone.

Watene-Zelezniak is currently ranked third among the top try-scorers in the NRL, with 16 tries in 15 outings this year. His career encompasses 243 NRL games, including stints with the Warriors, Bulldogs, and Panthers, where he made his debut in 2014.

The Hamilton-born player had a notable season in 2023, where he was named Dally M Winger of the Year after scoring 24 tries in 20 games for the Warriors. His try against the Dolphins on Sunday brought his total try tally for the club to 75, giving him a strike rate of 0.75 tries per game among the club’s leading try scorers.

Webster praised Watene-Zelezniak as a true professional and a significant asset to the club, highlighting his passion and role model status for younger players. Watene-Zelezniak is averaging 139 metres per game this season, with 12 line breaks and 33 tackle breaks, contributing to the Warriors’ second-place position on the ladder. He is expected to be named on the wing for the upcoming clash against the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Friday.

Source: warriors.kiwi

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Dolphins and Warriors Set for Suncorp Stadium Showdown

The Dolphins and Warriors are scheduled to meet at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday afternoon in a highly anticipated NRL Telstra Premiership Round 17 fixture. This match features two teams currently positioned second and third on the ladder, with the Dolphins aiming for an eighth consecutive victory. The game is set for 3:00 PM local time.

The Dolphins are expected to see the return of several key players. Halfback Isaiya Katoa is on track to return from a knee injury. Additionally, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Max Plath, Thomas Flegler, and Selwyn Cobbo are all slated to rejoin the squad after being rested last weekend. However, Tom Gilbert has been ruled out due to a throat injury sustained recently. Oryn Keeley and Trai Fuller were not included in the final squad after the Friday trim.

For the Warriors, hooker Sam Healey is anticipated to return from a thumb injury and will be part of the interchange. The team will be without Jackson Ford, who has a long-term pectoral injury, with Tanner Stowers-Smith stepping into the starting side. The Warriors have demonstrated strong form in Australia this year, securing five wins out of seven matches played there, including a victory against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium during Magic Round. No further changes were reported in Friday’s 24-hour update, with Jye Linnane and Jason Seu Salalilo dropping from the extended bench.

Team Line-ups and Key Match-ups

The Dolphins’ starting line-up includes Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at fullback, with Jamayne Isaako and Selwyn Cobbo on the wings. The centres will be Jack Bostock and Herbie Farnworth, while Kodi Nikorima and Isaiya Katoa form the halves pairing. In the forwards, Thomas Flegler and Francis Molo are the props, Jeremy Marshall-King is at hooker, and Connelly Lemuelu, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, and Morgan Knowles complete the back row.

The Warriors will feature Taine Tuaupiki at fullback, with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad on the wings. Ali Leiataua and Adam Pompey are the centres, and Chanel Harris-Tavita and Te Maire Martin are the halfbacks. The forward pack consists of props Tanner Stowers-Smith and Mitchell Barnett, hooker Wayde Egan, and second-rowers Jacob Laban and Kurt Capewell, with Erin Clark at lock.

The interchange benches include Max Plath, Kurt Donoghoe, Ray Stone, and Felise Kaufusi for the Dolphins, with Bradley Schneider and Tevita Naufahu as additional interchange options. The Warriors’ interchange features Sam Healey, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Demitric Vaimauga, and Marata Niukore, with Kayliss Fatialofa and Luke Metcalf also listed.

The match officials for this encounter are Adam Gee as referee, with Dave Munro and Jon Stone as touch judges. Chris Butler will serve as the senior review official.

Season Trajectories and Significance

Both teams have shown significant improvement this season. The Dolphins, after a challenging start with four consecutive losses, have since won seven matches in a row. This turnaround has been attributed in part to the return of Jeremy Marshall-King from a knee injury, which allowed Max Plath and Kurt Donoghoe to return to their preferred positions in the middle of the field. The Dolphins have proven six Queensland players and have won both games without their Origin contingent.

The Warriors have also navigated significant challenges, including numerous changes to their halfback and fullback positions and injuries to key players like Jackson Ford and Leka Halasima. Despite these setbacks, they have won seven of their last nine games, with their only losses coming against Penrith and Cronulla. Players like Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita have been performing well, and Taine Tuaupiki has established himself as a starting fullback. Tanner Stowers-Smith, who will start against the Dolphins, recorded a career-high of 180 metres in his last match.

This match is considered a significant fixture, with both teams being described as contenders. The Dolphins’ transformation from their early-season struggles appears complete, entering this game close to full strength. The Warriors, despite their injury challenges, have maintained a strong performance level. The game will be played on Saturday at 3:00 PM at Suncorp Stadium.

Source: nrl.com

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The Warriors led 16-6 at halftime. Khan-Pereira crossed for his double during the match, further solidifying his impact on the field. The Eels narrowed the margin to 18-14 midway through the second half, but Roger Tuivasa-Sheck scored a late try to seal the victory for the Warriors.

Key statistics:

• The final score was 36-14 in favor of the Warriors.
• Khan-Pereira has now scored three consecutive try doubles.
• The Warriors completed 37 of 44 sets at an efficiency rate of 84 percent.

The win lifted the Warriors level with the Penrith Panthers at the top of the NRL table. They have a bye in Round 10 before facing the Broncos on May 17. The team’s performance has been impressive this season, and they are currently holding second place on the NRL ladder.

As Khan-Pereira continues to shine, fans are eager to see how he and the Warriors will perform in upcoming matches.

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