Martin steps in for Boyd, Warriors vs Dragons
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The experience of Te Maire Martin has been awarded the vacant NZ Warriors halfback spot, after Tanah Boyd suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Boyd has had a confirmed rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament, but no surgery has yet been scheduled.
LATEST HEADLINES
Martin came off the bench to help steer the Warriors to a 42-12 victory over the champion Brisbane Broncos at NRL 'Magic Round' on Sunday, scoring a try and providing two try assists, with a performance that has given him the inside running to retain the position.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster suggested Luke Metcalf - who will remain with the club for the rest of the season, before leaving early to join St George-Illawarra Dragons next year - may not be available for this week's fixture against his future team and he has not been named in the playing squad.
Martin has played 43 games for the Warriors since arriving at Mt Smart in 2023, but made 17 appearances mostly as an interchange utility last season.
Co-captain Mitch Barnett and veteran second-rower Kurt Capewell are on State of Origin duty meanhing Webster has promoted in-form Jackson Ford back into the starting front row, where he has averaged 74 minutes a game this season, while Jacob Laban also joins the pack.
AFter scoring last week in-form Erin Clark starts again next to Jacob Laban and Leka Halasima.
Forward Eddie Ieremia-Toeava and half Luke Hanson also joins the interchange bench.
After missing the Broncos win with a shoulder injury, wing/centre Roger Tuivasa-Sheck nears a return to play from the extended reserves bench.
Warriors: Taine Tuaupiki, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Ali Leiataua, Adam Pompey, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin; James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Jackson Ford, Leka Halasima, Jacob Laban, Erin Clark. Interchange: Sam Healey, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Demitric Vaimauga, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Luke Hanson, Marata Niukore. Reserves: Kayliss Fatialofa, Makaia Tafua, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.