Penrith Panthers are pleased to announce the signing of young Kiwi playmaker Te Maire Martin on a three-year deal.
Martin, 19, will join the Panthers in 2016 after playing the last two seasons with the Wests Tigers NYC side.
“It feels great to have secured my future and I am already looking forward to training with my new teammates,” Martin said.
“My big dream is to play in the NRL and I know having the opportunity to learn from Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace will really help me get there.”
A breakout season in 2014 saw Martin selected in the NYC Team of the Year and picked for the Junior Kiwis. He again played for the Junior Kiwis this year, alongside current Panthers Sione Katoa and James Fisher-Harris, and fellow Penrith recruit Zach Dockar-Clay.
Panthers Executive General Manager rugby league Phil Gould AM said he was delighted to have secured Martin’s services.
“Te Maire is one of the outstanding young talents coming through the NYC system,” he said.
“We believe he’s a player of great potential, a long-term NRL player and we’re excited to have him here at the Panthers.”
Out of respect for Te Maire and Wests Tigers, the Panthers will make no further comment on the signing until the end of the season.
