When it comes to balance between professional sport and life, few manage it better than the One New Zealand Warriors’ man of the moment Te Maire Martin.
The 28-year-old’s enjoying a sizzling run of form since having his opportunity to fill the halfback’s role four times in the club’s last six games.
His touch was all over all but one of the Warriors’ six tries in Saturday’s 32-16 win over the Broncos.
As well as scoring himself, his sweet ball put Chanel Harris-Tavita in for his first try while deft kicks delivered touchdowns for Harris-Tavita, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
There’s no lack of resolve in Martin’s approach to his football but that’s only part of the equation.
“Off the field everyone’s gelling well. Fishing’s going good, hunting’s going good so that’s always important,” he said.
He finds solace on the water or in the bush.
“After the Gold Coast game I went away (to the bush) and then last weekend I did again,” he said.
“I didn’t get anything after the Titans game but, it’s like fishing, you don’t keep all of them. You let some of them go.
“Just being out in the bush and cruising around is what I like to do to get away from over thinking too much about footy. Sometimes you can sit at home thinking too much about footy this, footy that and get caught up in it.
Martin leaves mark with magic touch in vital win
“You’ve got to have a balance and still think about it but having balance is a key factor for me, a big key factor.”
He thinks it helps his teammates, too, like his halves partner Harris-Tavita.
“He came out on the boat a couple of weeks ago and then he started carving (up). The fishing trips are helping the boys out. I’ll see who I’m taking out next.”
Ask Martin what gives him the most satisfaction out of hooking a big fish and shooting a pig or setting up a try and it’s an easy answer for him.
“A big fish is mean and a good pig is mean, too. I don’t think you can beat that to be honest,” he said.
“Fishing and pigs … I like scoring tries, setting up tries but fishing and hunting’s pretty hard to beat.
“If you’re talking about winning games and playing as a team and playing well then that’s a feeling that’s probably better … well on par with a big fish and a good pig.
“Try assists … that’s down (the list). I’ll take them but fishing and hunting (they’re better).”
All of which accounts for the sense of calm Martin demonstrably brings on the field.
“I try not to get too hyped up or too flustered or too chaotic because it makes everyone else like that. Stay calm, stay relaxed. Everyone has their own way of doing it but that’s my way.”
And long may it be so.
