Analysing Warrington Wolves' push for Rhyse Martin signing

However, competition for the Papua New Guinean’s signature is strong and when other internal factors are introduced, the waters are somewhat muddied.

Before The Wire’s clash with Salford Red Devils on Friday night, Sky Sports reporter Jenna Brooks revealed the club had joined the race to sign goal-kicking edge forward Martin, who is in the final year of his contract at Headingley and therefore free to discuss a move elsewhere with rival clubs.

The Rhinos have tabled an offer to keep Martin at the club and last week, Rugby League Live reported Leigh Leopards had also made a move for the 31-year-old, who has shone since arriving in Super League in 2019.

The Warrington Guardian understands that, while Wolves remain hopeful of winning the race, there is an acknowledgement within that Leigh are currently in the box seat.

Martin would add a highly-proficient goal-kicking option to the Wire squad for 2025 (Image: SWPix.com)

Warrington are preparing for life without Matty Nicholson, who is expected to leave the club at the end of the year to join NRL side Canberra Raiders, and as such, they have been forced to change their recruitment plans.

Huddersfield Giants skipper Luke Yates was initially meant to be their only new signing for 2025, but Nicholson’s decision to try his luck in Australia has led them to look for a back-rower to replace him.

Martin would take up one of Wire’s seven overseas quota spots – their current roster has a spot free which will be taken up by Yates when he arrives for pre-season, although Josh Drinkwater’s deal is coming to an end and should he depart, that would open up a space.

However, they are keen to strike a balance between ensuring the right quality of player is in their squad and keeping the pathway open for a number of younger players in whom there is great belief within the club.

Adam Holroyd, who has made 11 first-team appearances this year as part of a sustained breakthrough, has plenty of advocates for slotting into the spot Nicholson is set to leave behind longer-term.

There is also plenty of encouragement about the progress of Nolan Tupaea, who made his senior debut for the club against Wigan Warriors earlier this month, while a number of back-row players in the age groups are also said to be catching the eye.

Put simply, Martin is a player Warrington would like to sign but there are plenty of other factors at play.

There are high hopes Adam Holroyd could be the man to step into Matty Nicholson's shoes if, as expected, he leaves for the NRL (Image: SWPix.com)