New Zealand Warriors half Te Maire Martin is likely to see what options are out there for a 2028 NRL contract on November 1.
Martin's current Warriors deal expires at the end of 2027, meaning he is free to negotiate with rival clubs in two months' time, with nine.com.au reporting he is likely to see what offers are tabled for him as he assesses the next chapter of his career.
At one stage this year the Warriors had a plethora of halves to choose from, but have since dispersed with Luke Hanson heading to the Titans next year and Luke Metcalf making the switch to Wollongong on a long-term deal.
Meanwhile, fresh debutant Jett Cleary is set to return to Australia next year after being granted a release from his contract, making the halves depth seemingly thin for 2027.
The Warriors will no doubt be looking to extend Martin for halves depth, boasting 120 NRL matches of experience.
Martin's manager, Andrew Purcell, says they will sound out different options to find the right deal.
“It looks like we will be going to market; the Warriors are very deep in halves,” Purcell told nine.com.au.
“Te Maire is settled and happy in Auckland, but we will look at our options.”
Freshly extended Chanel Harris-Tavita and injured Tanah Boyd are likely to make up the starting halves for 2027 with everyone fit, but Martin could apply plenty of pressure given his experience and quality service.
He will don the halfback jersey in the final match of the regular season for the Warriors against Manly after overcoming a hamstring injury suffered two days before Round 23 in early August.
Martin made his NRL debut for the Penrith Panthers ten years ago, and has enjoyed stints at North Queensland, Brisbane, and now New Zealand, where he has been settled in for four seasons.
The Warriors can secure the minor premiership with a big win over the Sea Eagles, and are currently just one point ahead of the Panthers in points differential.
Nevertheless, they have already secured a top-two finish and face the prospect of hosting two matches in Auckland before the chance of heading to the big dance in Sydney on the first weekend of October.
