Rhyse Martin has revealed how he persuaded Papua New Guinea team-mate Nene Macdonald to join him at Leeds Rhinos. The eight-time Super League champions signed the centre on a two-year deal from Leigh Leopards, reuniting him with Rohan Smith who coached him at Norths Devils in Australia.
Port Moresby-born Macdonald helped the Leopards to promotion from the Championship into Super League last season, scoring 27 tries in as many appearances. The 28-year-old started all four games for the Kumuls at last year’s Rugby League World Cup and Leeds second-rower Martin said: “I planted the seed as soon as we got into camp.
“There were a few rumours going into camp so I got in his ear and twisted his arm a bit. Where else would you want to be? He's going to be a great player for us, he's a long-time friend so it's great to have him in the squad.”
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Explaining their backgrounds, Martin added: “We went to the same high school and grew up around the same area. It's good to have him here, we always reminisce about being home and it's good to have that connection here. He's achieved a lot in his career at a young age. I think the way we're heading is positive so hopefully he does well for himself and settles here at Leeds.”
Martin is looking to make his mark again at Headingley in 2023 after helping Smith’s men to make the Grand Final last term. They lost to all-conquering St Helens, who claimed a record-extending fourth successive Grand Final win, but Martin believes they can go one better this season.
He recently re-joined the Leeds squad after an extended break following the World Cup and declared: “It's been good, a shock to the system, the body isn't feeling too bad but you get that first week soreness. These boys have been in eight weeks already and flying so I've got to play catch up now.
“I think I spent the first couple of weeks moving into a new house then from the start of December kicking back and having a break, reflecting on the year and get my goals set for this season and get that hunger back. Last year was great but I need to do it again and hope this club can go one further.
"I need to reset, reassess and build off what we and I were doing well last season. I've a few things I need to work on personally to be a better player and build off last season. But if we're playing strong as a team and playing strong together that will go a long way.”
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