Te Maire Martin will start in the halves against the Sea Eagles in Auckland on Saturday, after a successful return to first grade last weekend.
Enforced time spent off the field has helped the Warriors five-eighth appreciate the time he gets on it.
The 28-year-old has had a wretched run of injuries in his career, most recently breaking his leg against the Knights in April of last year.
Having started the season behind Luke Metcalf in the pecking order, an injury to the incumbent saw Martin back in first grade last weekend in the 34-4 rout of the Rabbitohs.
"It's always good playing first grade, I had a stint off the field last year and so playing and winning a game like that on the weekend, it's pretty special."
Martin is pragmatic about the setback he suffered last season, which saw him out of action until the finals.
It taught him some valuable lessons about not being consumed by the game.
"I try not to get too caught up in the footy playing or not playing and I think last year's stint off the field just made me appreciate playing and if I can play first grade, even better. That injury is not a thing that you can prep for. Just a hip drop, broken leg, can't do much about it."
He can of course empathise with Metcalf, who also broke his leg playing against Newcastle.
Te Maire Martin broke his leg in Newcastle in April 2023. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"It's just the way the cookie crumbles, it happened the other way last year, it's obviously not what you want. Luke will be gutted, it sucks sitting on the sidelines and watching the boys go well, especially here at sold out games."
Martin spoke of the mental drain that came as a result of an extended lay-up and how hobbies outside of rugby league helped him cope.
"I've been fishing and hunting a lot. It's good to have a balance of footy and away from footy, so I'm keeping myself and my partner happy, nice fish for dinner."
Martin's seamless transition back to the NRL further reinforces the depth the Warriors boast in 2024.
Even with the injury to Metcalf, coach Andrew Webster still has three world class halves to choose from, Chanel Harris-Tavita delivering a standout performance when he partnered Shaun Johnson against the Raiders.
Webster said he felt spoiled with the talent on his roster.
"It's a good headache to have, we have got good depth."
He said Martin didn't miss a beat in place of Harris-Tavita.
"He was brilliant. You look at his first six games last year and then he had what happened to Luke, so he had an injury and then he's a man out of luck. So it's good to have him back in there. He's worked hard; he has had a great attitude. He's wanted to play NSW Cup and get better and we got to see the fruits of that on the weekend."
