Leeds Rhinos in focus - spotlight on Rhyse Martin

Rhinos will be back in action, for the first time since March 5, when they face Huddersfield Giants at Emerald Headingley on Sunday, August 2.

The big question is, can Rhinos pick up from where they left off and record a fifth successive win?

Second-rower Rhyse Martin is a key figure in Leeds’ pack and here we assess what he will bring to the team over the final months of the disrupted season.

Attributes:

Martin was a surprise signing from Canterbury Bulldogs in June last year and made a big impression, scoring two tries and 34 goals in nine appearances.

His start to 2020 was disrupted by injury, but he has kicked 17 goals - with only two misses - in his three performances and again looked very sharp in an in-form pack.

Defining moment:

Martin was born in Queensland, Australia, but qualifies for Papua New Guinea through his father. He has been capped seven times by the Kumuls and achieved legendary status in that rugby league obsessed country when he captained them to a 28-10 win over Great Britain Lions last November.

Best season:

Martin made his NRL debut for Bulldogs in 2018 and scored a try with his first touch, against Brisbane Broncos. He added three more touchdowns - and 36 goals from 38 attempts - that season, in 14 appearances and was tipped for a big future at the club, before falling out of favour with coach Dean Pay.

Concerns:

At 5ft 9 ins and 15st 7lbs, Martin is not the biggest of forwards, which was more of an issue in the NRL than it has been here.

Value:

Martin, 27, is a leader, having captained teams throughout his career and his goal kicking accuracy - 11 from 11 against Toronto in March - is remarkable.

That alone justifies his place, but he also scored Rhinos’ try of the year last season - a brilliant solo effort against Catalans Dragons when he stepped through the defence from a long way out - and looks tailor made for Super League.

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins