Te Maire Martin has allowed himself to soak up the little things as an unlikely NRL return moved a step closer with Brisbane.
With Tyrone Roberts ruled out with illness, Martin wore the No.7 for the Broncos in their 52-4 trial win over Wynnum Manly on Saturday.
The 26-year-old signed a one-year development contract at Red Hill, paving the way for a shock return to the top after a bleed on the brain had seemingly forced him into early retirement in 2020.
Martin debuted for Penrith in 2016 and was part of North Queensland's 2017 grand final loss, playing 55 games in total before his NRL career was derailed.
But after returning to play at an amateur level in his native New Zealand last year, the four-cap Kiwi has received medical clearance to make an unlikely comeback.
"It's still sort of sinking it; I sat on the side there and everything feels good," he said.
"Even going into the change room, the smell of everything brings back memories.
"I let it all sink in there. Now it's been done, I'm keen for some more."
Martin said he felt hamstring tightness and is part of a long list of contenders to partner new captain and fellow recruit Adam Reynolds in the halves this season.
Rookies Ezra Mam and Deine Mariner, who scored three tries, caught the eye in the comprehensive win over the Queensland Cup outfit.
