Former NZ Kiwis half Te Maire Martin will make his NRL return on Friday, named to start at fullback for Brisbane Broncos against Canterbury Bulldogs.
Martin was forced to retire from the NRL in 2020 after scans revealed a brain bleed while playing for North Queensland Cowboys.
But after a return to playing in New Zealand with his local Waikato Mana in the National Competition, Martin was snapped up by the Broncos, as the Brisbane side sought a replacement for half Anthony Milford.
Needing medical clearance to sign with the Broncos, Martin has proven his fitness playing in the Queensland Cup
Martin will make his Broncos debut on Friday, named to start at fullback after an injury to incumbent Tesi Niu, wearing the No.1 jersey for his first NRL appearance since 2019.
And Martin's inclusion in this week's side is being welcomed by his teammates, with the Broncos sitting in 14th on the NRL ladder, with just two wins from their first six matches.
"What happened to his head and that, it's good to have him back playing footy," Brisbane lock Kobe Hetherington said.
"He looks good at training and he's looking fit too."
Martin will add to his 55 NRL appearances, with stints at both Penrith Panthers and the Cowboys before his premature retirement.
