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Martin to cap NRL return with Broncos

3 minute read

Te Maire Martin is set to make his Brisbane debut against Canterbury, to mark his return to the NRL after being forced into early retirement two years ago.

TE MAIRE MARTIN. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters will field the 15th different spine combination in just his 31st game in charge of the Broncos, with Te Maire Martin set to play his first NRL game since 2019.

Martin will cap a remarkable return from a bleed on the brain which forced him into premature retirement when he was at North Queensland.

The 26-year-old has been named at fullback for the Broncos clash with Canterbury on Friday, in place of the injured Tesi Niu (hamstring), with Tyson Gamble starting at five-eighth alongside Adam Reynolds.

Billy Walters has been benched with Cory Paix starting at hooker over Jake Turpin.

Props Payne Haas and Tom Flegler are back after serving suspensions.

The Bulldogs have been forced into two changes with Aaron Schoupp replacing Braidon Burns (hamstring) at centre and Corey Waddell coming in for Chris Patolo (concussion) in the second row.

The biggest shake-up, aside from the Broncos, is in the Canberra backline with Jordan Rapana deployed at fullback and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad demoted to the bench.

The Raiders face an unchanged Penrith outfit at Panthers Stadium on Sunday, with Rapana's move allowing Xavier Savage to start on the wing.

Prop Emre Guler has been axed with English forward Harry Rushton set to make his NRL debut.

Cronulla's Dale Finucane (concussion) will be replaced at lock by Cameron McInnes for Manly's visit to PointsBet Stadium on Thursday.

The Sea Eagles will be light on in the front row with Martin Taupau (COVID-19), Sean Keppie (concussion) and Josh Aloiai (shoulder) all sidelined.

Gold Coast have named the same 17 that pushed the Sea Eagles close last week, with Saturday's opponents North Queensland bringing Griffin Neame onto the interchange after he missed their win over Canberra.

Wests Tigers have unveiled an unchanged side as they prepare to face South Sydney.

The Rabbitohs have made one change with Hame Sele starting at prop and Davvy Moale coming onto the bench.

Newcastle have brought Adam Clune (knee) back for Sunday's game with Parramatta.

The Eels expect to have Reagan Campbell-Gillard (ankle) available with Junior Paulo returning from suspension.

Hayze Perham will start on the wing after making his club debut off the bench against the Tigers on Monday.

St George Illawarra have named an unchanged side for Monday's Anzac Day clash with the Sydney Roosters.

The Roosters have brought Paul Momirovski back into the centres and Siosiua Taukeiaho onto the interchange.

Kenny Bromwich and Jess Bromwich return from COVID-19 with Ryan Papenhuyzen expected to overcome an ankle injury for Melbourne's Monday night clash with the Warriors, who welcome back prop Matt Lodge.