Warrington Wolves join pursuit of Rhyse Martin as Leeds Rhinos face further competition

Warrington Wolves are the latest club to be linked with a move for Leeds Rhinos back-rower Rhyse Martin. The Papua New Guinea international is a man in demand with his contract expiring and the Rhinos face a battle to secure the popular back-rower.

Earlier this week, Rugby League Live revealed that Leigh Leopards had made a strong financial offer to the back-rower, who is out of contract at the end of the season. But Sky Sports have now reported that the Wire are also in the equation, adding another suitor for Martin to consider.

Like Leigh, Warrington are looking for a replacement at the back, with Matty Nicholson leaving for the Canberra Raiders at the end of the season. Leigh, of course, miss out on Kai O’Donnell, who is heading to the North Queensland Cowboys next season.

Both now look set to be in contention for the services of Martin, a consistent performer at Super League level since his arrival in the competition in 2019. That said, Leigh, at this stage, is still believed to be in the driving seat.

On Friday, Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith confirmed the club wanted him to stay at Headingley beyond the end of the season.

“We would like Rhyse to stay and Rhyse has been made an offer,” said Smith. “It’s the same with a couple of other players that Ian will butt heads with when he’s in the building. We’ll talk about that and take the course of action as it goes. But yes, we want Rhyse to stay.”

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