Martin sets sights on rewarding passionate PNG faithful at Rugby League World Cup

Record-breaking Rhyse Martin is hoping to end a turbulent year on a high as he sets his sights on making the passionate Papua New Guinea fanbase proud at the Rugby League World Cup. The prospect of leading his country out on the global stage is a poignant one for the 29-year-old, who lost his father — a proud Papua New Guinean through whom Martin qualifies to represent the Kumuls — in February. Ad The Leeds Rhinos second row represented his club side just days later and went on to etch his name into the history books during the 2022 season, nailing his 37th and 38th consecutive successful kicks at goal during the Grand Final at Old Trafford to set a new Super League and NRL record.

Rugby LeagueTakairangi 'privileged' to return to biggest stage with the Cook IslandsAN HOUR AGO Having finished on the losing side against St Helens at Old Trafford, Martin now switches his attention to the international arena and the challenge that lies in wait courtesy of Tonga, Wales and the Cook Islands in Group D. Papua New Guinea reached the quarter-finals in 2017, when they hosted the tournament alongside Australia and New Zealand, and absence from the jersey in recent years has made Martin's heart grow fonder. «It has been a long time, 2019 was the last time I got to wear the jersey,» he said.

«It's what I look forward to at the end of a long season, representing the Kumuls. »Papua New Guinea is probably the most passionate rugby league country in the world, easily. If you've ever been there, you'll understand — it's mental.