One of the best free agents without a contract for the 2026 NRL season, New Zealand Warriors playmaker Te Maire Martin, has decided on his future as he looks to earn more time on the field.
The Kiwi international has been on the fringes of the club’s first-grade side this season following the retirement of Shaun Johnson, and has continually found himself starting on the interchange bench rather than in the halves.
Linked with various teams both in the NRL and overseas, as recently as June, Martin will remain at the New Zealand Warriors after inking a one-year extension for next season.
“Te Maire has given us so many options this season with his ability to fill so many positions,” said Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.
“At one time or another he has been used in most positions when we’ve lost players through injury.
“Above all he brings a fantastic club-first attitude and truly epitomises our next man up mentality.”
Starting in the halves in the past two weeks, Martin unfortunately sustained a concussion over the weekend against the Canterbury Bulldogs within the opening 20 minutes, thus ruling him out for this week.
A former member of the Penrith Panthers, North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos, he will attempt to push his case for selection each week and apply pressure to Chanel Harris-Tavita (if he re-signs) and Luke Metcalfe for the two starting halves spots.
It is understood that one of the main reasons behind his decision is to stay close to his family.
The extension of Martin means that the club have four vacant spots left in their Top 30 roster for the 2026 NRL season. However, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Tanah Boyd do have options in their contracts, and a decision has yet to be made on their futures.
“We’re really pleased to be able to keep Te Maire with us for 2026,” said New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.
“He’s tremendous value for us on the field while also providing great assistance for our younger halves coming through our pathways.”
New Zealand Full Squad and Best 17 for 2026
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Ali Leiataua
4. Adam Pompey
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. Te Maire Martin
7. Luke Metcalf
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitchell Barnett
11. Leka Halasima
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Erin Clark
Interchange
14. Samuel Healey
15. Jackson Ford
16. Marata Niukore
17. Morgan Gannon
Rest of squad
18. Taine Tuaupiki
19. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
20. Jacob Laban
21. Freddy Lussick
22. Demitric Vaimauga
23. Motu Pasikala
24. Rocco Berry
25. Tanner Stowers-Smith
26. Jye Linnane
27. No player signed.
28. No player signed.
29. No player signed.
30. No player signed.
2026 development list
1. Jett Cleary