‘Why would you move?’ Warriors lock in Te Maire Martin as NRL finals push heats up

The New Zealand Warriors have returned from their bye week with their future looking clearer, locking in two key players as they prepare for a crucial part of their National Rugby League (NRL) season.

The Auckland club has confirmed Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will remain with the Warriors until 2028 while Te Maire Martin has extended his stay through to the end of 2027.

For Martin, the decision to stay in Auckland came down to one simple thing: happiness.

“I’m just enjoying footy at the moment," he told a media conference. "Like I told the boys yesterday, I’m just having almost the most fun I’ve had playing footy... And I’ve got family here, the hunting's good, the fishing's good, everything's good, so why would you move?”

“I’m sort of a play-by-year person... I’ll just sign one year, then maybe I’ll do another one, maybe I’ll do another one, who knows?”

The veteran playmaker said he was also enjoying life away from rugby league including a successful fishing trip during the bye.

“I’m enjoying off the field as much as I am on the field. I actually went down to Waihau Bay over the bye and got a good Bluefin tuna, so I’m happy with that! And got a pig the day before. So everything’s good. It’d be nice if we had more byes!”

Head coach Andrew Webster said keeping experienced players like Martin and Watene-Zelezniak was important as the Warriors continue building a squad capable of challenging at the top level.

“Dallin re-signed for another two seasons... Te Maire through the end of next season. It’s really important,” Webster told journalists.

Te Maire Martin against the Dolphins in Brisbane two weeks ago. He has committed his future to the Warriors, saying he is enjoying his football and life in Auckland as the club pushes towards the finals. Photo/Photosport/Tertius Pickard

“I'm really proud of the club that we were able to retain him. And yeah, that experience side of it is huge for us.”

The Warriors now turn their attention to their next challenge against the Wests Tigers in Sydney on Friday with Webster warning his players not to underestimate a side capable of causing problems.

“We certainly don't talk about three from four [losses]but we talk about how we want to play the best football we can play,” he said.

Warriors hooker Wayde Egan says Te Maire Martin’s creativity and defensive effort have made him an important part of the team’s attack. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

“I think we've just got to do what we're doing better for longer. We've got to back ourselves a bit more. We've got to actually throw a punch every now and then and knock the opposition down, not literally, but with our play.”

Hooker Wayde Egan said Martin’s creativity and effort had made him an important part of the Warriors' attack.

“Very happy... obviously, yeah, very happy. He's let everyone know that he'll be around for another year, so we're all thrilled with that,” Egan said.

“Very happy to have Te Maire here. He's great to play with, obviously an off-the-cuff sort of player... He's a dog in the number seven jersey, I think he goes after everything with his defence too, which you know, we all love here at the club.”

Five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita said the team had used the bye to reset and focus on improving the small moments that have cost them in close matches.

“We had a lot of energy at training today. I think everyone had a good rest and we're just ready to take the lessons from the last game before the bye,” he said.

“I think just moments throughout the game, winning your little moments. I think they all add up, especially in those big games against the top teams.”

The Warriors head into the Tigers clash knowing consistency will be key as they push towards the finals.

With key players committed for the future and a squad built around strong relationships, the club believes it has the foundations to make a serious run in the second half of the season.

Warriors vs Tigers will be played on Friday 10 July at the Campbelltown Sports Stadium in Sydney. Kickoff is at 10pm (NZT). For more NRL action, click here.