Martin prep is all up in the air

COWBOYS playmaker Te Maire Martin will have spent more than 21 hours in the air by the time his clash with the Rabbitohs rolls around on Sunday, after playing in the Denver Test.

The Kiwi five- eighth will arrive home in Townsville today, 24 hours later than expected following delays in travelling from the US.

Martin played for New Zealand in last Sunday’s Test against England and will back up for the Cowboys this Sunday against the Rabbitohs in Cairns.

While some of his Kiwi teammates enjoyed a more direct route, Martin went from Denver to San Francisco then to Sydney and now Townsville.

On Saturday he will then fly to Cairns, for a total of 21 hours and 20 minutes in the air.

Cowboys coach Paul Green said while he enjoyed the concept of the Denver Test, he felt it should be played at a different time of the season.

“The travel is an issue,” Green said. “We’ll have to just assess once he gets back here, but we’re probably more confident he’ll be all right

“The concept’s a good idea, I just question the timing of it.

“We’re probably one of the less disrupted teams. Even though he plays in a key position for us, he’s only one player involved.

“I know a few other clubs have multiple players involved. Being so far away and not so easy to get to, that’s why ( it’s a disruption).”

The Broncos also had three players in Denver in Kodi Nikorima, Jamayne Isaako and Jordan Kahu, but the trio are advantaged by a home game.

Jet lag will also play a factor, however, given there is a 16hour time difference between Denver and Queensland.

Martin has been named in the halves in what is a mustwin clash for the Cowboys.

Outside of the young playmaker, Green’s Queensland Origin trio are also expected to back up after Game Two while Jason Taumalolo has been named following his win with Tonga over the weekend.

The only player in doubt is prop Matt Scott who has to prove his fitness from neck pain.

“He’s had neck issues over the years,” Green said. “Something’s stirred it up recently, so we have to monitor it and ease him back.”)