Kiwi Te Maire Martin continued his remarkable NRL comeback by playing another crucial hand in Brisbane Broncos 16-7 upset win over Cronulla Sharks on Thursday night.
A week after starring in his return from a three-year absence due to a brain bleed, Martin moved from fullback into the No. 6 jersey, where he provided some quality and telling touches, combining expertly with star half Adam Reynolds to guide the Broncos to a second straight win.
With his side trailing 6-0 towards the end of the first half, Martin sparked one of the contest's pivotal movements to set blockbusting centre Kotoni Staggs on a rampaging run, beating counterpart Siosifa Talakai and fending Ronaldo Mulitalo to score in the corner.
With the Sharks ahead 7-6 at halftime, the Broncos stormed out of the sheds with two tries in the space of eight minutes to Herbie Farnworth and Kurt Capewell, which ultimately sealed the contest.
Martin has been one of the key reasons behind the resurgent Broncos' form and may well retain his starting spot, when regular starter Tesi Niu returns from injury.
The three-test Kiwis international may also be pressing for an unlikely recall to the New Zealand squad, with a test against Tonga looming at Mt Smart Stadium in June.
The Broncos will look to make record their third consecutive win, when they take on South Sydney Rabbitohs on Thursday, while the Sharks back up against NZ Warriors next Sunday.
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