Of all the twists and turns in the career of Te Maire Martin, returning home to play for NZ Warriors is the one he's most looking forward to.
After fears his career was over when he was diagnosed with a brain bleed in 2019, Martin's return to rugby league and the NRL has been nothing short of spectacular.
A stint playing for Waikato Mana in New Zealand's national competition led to a contract with Brisbane Broncos for the 2022 NRL season, where Martin proved he still has what it takes to play at the top level.
Stepping into the No.1 jersey for the Broncos, Martin returned to the NRL like a duck to water and caught the eye of more than one club in want of his services.
But in the contract merry-go-round that saw Reece Walsh sign for the Broncos in 2023, Martin was snapped up on a three-year deal to return home and play for the Warriors for the first time in his career.
And after spending time with Penrith Panthers and North Queensland Cowboys, Martin will finally get the chance to run out at Mt Smart Stadium as a local when the Warriors return home in 2023.
"I didn't think I was going to come back and play for the Warriors, to be honest," Martin told the club's official website.
"As much as I've wanted to, it just worked out that I ended up somewhere else, somewhere different.
"So when Webby [coach Andrew Webster] gave me a call I was really keen. It's always good to be home," said Martin.
As a utility playmaker, Martin gives Webster luxury in terms of options on the park.
Just as capable of playing at fullback as he is in the halves, Martin himself concedes he doesn't care what role he's asked to fill in 2023, with playing for the Warriors more than enough.
"I'm just excited to get into the season and rip in, looking forward to getting back in the front line and playing around the ball a bit more but wherever Webby wants me to go I'm happy to go there," he added.
"I'm excited to be here at the Warriors and I'm keen to put the jersey on."
Martin's signing is one of multiple exciting captures for the Warriors in 2023, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad also returning to the club and joined by new arrivals Marata Niukore and Dylan Walker among those also calling Mt Smart home from next year.
