Martin revels in ‘crazy’ change in fortune

HE is no guarantee of a start next season but North Queensland’s buy of the year Te Maire Martin couldn’t be happier ahead of the NRL grand final showdown with Melbourne.

The Cowboys playmaker is pinching himself as he prepares for his first season decider three months after being released by Penrith.

The 21-year-old emerged as the perfect foil for Dally M halfback of the year Michael Morgan in the absence of injured co-captain Johnathan Thurston, sparking an unlikely Cowboys title tilt.

Martin is set to become just the second player in 22 years to win a premiership after a midseason switch.

But Martin faces an uncertain future in 2018 with Thurston set to return from his shoulder injury and combine with a better-than-ever Morgan in the halves.

“I am not too sure yet. I am just happy to be here at the moment,” Martin said of next season’s options.

“I am happy to play first grade again. I will let that sort itself out next year.”

He was initially groomed as Nathan Cleary’s halves partner and played the first seven games of the season for the Panthers, but was relegated to NSW Cup after just two wins from those matches.

He was released in June, with the Cowboys reportedly only having to pay $50,000 of his wage in the switch.

Martin became priceless when days later Thurston suffered the season-ending shoulder injury.

“I am a big believer in things happening for a reason,” Martin said.

“As much as I would have liked to have stayed at Penrith this is what happened.

“I got a second opportunity to come up to the Cowboys and then the injury to JT opened up a window for myself.

“I got kicked out of one place and it opened up a window at another.

“Now I am in a grand final. It’s pretty crazy. “It’s been a roller-coaster year.”