Brisbane coach Kevin Walters says the Broncos are hoping to lock in outside back Te Maire Martin on a multi-year deal.
Martin, 26, has recently returned to the NRL after retiring in 2020 after he was unable to recover from a brain bleed that occurred in 2019 while playing for the Cowboys.
With two impressive games for the Broncos under his belt since returning, the Red Hill club is hoping to sign the fullback as soon as possible.
While he’ll be keen to secure his NRL future, SEN’s Katie Brown is reporting that his management are making the club wait a period of time so the returning star can prove his worth.
“Kevvie jumped the gun at the presser today. He said, ‘We really want him on a multi-year deal’,” Brown said on SEN 1170 The Run Home.
“I thought, ‘Hang on, a multi-year deal for Te Maire? He’s only on a development contract at the moment’.
“So, I spoke to Ben Ikin and got some clarification, but they definitely want him cheap and soon.
“His manager will be wanting to get him the best dollar … they’re going to leave it for a while.
“But they definitely want him, they want to give him a two-year deal, they’re just going to come back with his management in six to eight weeks and go from there.”
SEN host Bryan Fletcher can understand why Martin’s management is halting talks, as the former Origin star expects Martin’s value to soar with more games under his belt.
“I can see why they’re doing this,” Fletcher said.
“He’s shown in the last two weeks that he’s a first-grader, if they give him eight weeks (his stock) will be through the roof.
“I think he’s a six, my thoughts are that they’re just keeping him out of the defensive line … but he’s an out and out six.
“But guess who (Wayne Bennett and the Dolphins) is down the road looking for a six?
“The Broncos have got to get him now, but his management are too smart.”
Martin will line up at fullback for the Broncos in their clash against South Sydney on Thursday night at Accor Stadium.