Rhyse Martin brings down the curtain

The Papua New Guinea Kumuls international, Rhyse Martin, has announced his retirement from rugby league after twelve colorful, challenging years of playing “the greatest game of all.”

Martin laced up the boots in his final home game against Samoa at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby before finishing his career against England in Sydney during the last pool match of the Rugby League World Cup 2026 tournament.

He has enjoyed a decorated twelve-year rugby league career in the National Rugby League (NRL), the United Kingdom’s Super League, and a historic tenure as an international star and captain of the PNG Kumuls.

Born in Cairns, Australia, with family ties to Hula village in PNG's Rigo District of Central Province, Martin spent time with the Sydney Roosters system and Townsville Blackhawks before making his NRL debut for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2018.

Following a one-year stint with the Bulldogs, he moved to the Super League in mid-2019, joining the Leeds Rhinos. He became a fan favorite and prolific goal-kicker in the English top-flight competition, scoring over 1,000 points and winning the 2020 Challenge Cup with the Rhinos.

After playing five seasons with the Rhinos, he joined the Hull Kingston Rovers in 2025, helping the club capture a historic treble, including the Super League trophy, League Leaders' Shield, and Challenge Cup, as well as the World Club Challenge in early 2026.

The goal-kicking ace made his international debut for Papua New Guinea against Tonga in 2014 at Lae League Ground, Morobe Province. He has since cemented his spot in the national side.

He has become the most-capped player of all time alongside Nene Macdonald, with both players having 24 Test caps under their belts. He is also the leading points scorer in Kumuls history. In the 2022 World Cup, he equaled a world record for consecutive successful goal kicks.

Martin said it had been an honor representing the Kumuls and playing in three World Cups (2017, 2022, & 2026), sharing his reflections on his international career and what it means to have an impact on the sport in PNG.

"It's everything that I have looked forward to in the last couple of years playing and putting on my PNG jersey. It's an unbelievable opportunity, and I've loved every second of it,” Martin said after the final game against England.

“I’m very grateful. I’ve been able to play for the Kumuls in three World Cups. It’s very bittersweet, but playing for the Kumuls has been such an awesome experience. I’ve built friendships and created so many memories that I’ll keep for the rest of my life.”

Despite the result, PNG Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou said he was proud of the Kumuls’ effort while praising Martin, who has been loyal to the PNG Kumuls from his peak days to the twilight of his career.

The 33-year-old veteran of the Kumuls will transition to an administrative role with the PNG Chiefs. PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson congratulated Martin on his incredible career and welcomed him to the club.

“Congratulations to Rhyse Martin on an outstanding career in representing the PNG Kumuls,” CEO McPherson said.

“Your commitment, leadership, and passion for the jersey have made our nation proud and inspired the next generation.

“As one chapter closes, another begins. We are proud to welcome Rhyse to the PNG Chiefs family as our football operations manager.

“We look forward to having you on board as we build something special for the future of Papua New Guinea rugby league.”

The most-capped Kumul anticipates contributing to PNG’s rugby league development, this time in a different capacity as the PNG Chiefs football operations manager.

“My footy career is done, and now I’m looking forward to starting my new role with the PNG Chiefs in January 2027 and going forward,” Martin said.  

Martin’s advice to the emerging rugby league aspirants in PNG is simple: “Work hard and don’t give up on your dream.” 

There are a few rugby league players who have had an impact on the most-followed sport in Papua New Guinea, and Rhyse Martin is one of them. Twelve years, an incredible journey, and a legacy to remember.