North Queensland's mid-season recruit Te Maire Martin continues to shine for his new club as he makes the most of an 'apprenticeship' under injured superstar Johnathan Thurston.
The 21-year-old has tasted victory in all three of his Cowboys starts since leaving Penrith, including a rock-solid outing in the well-earned 24-12 victory over the New Zealand Warriors in Townsville on Saturday night.
Martin was thrust in to the North Queensland line-up earlier than expected due to Thurston's season-ending injury and the promising young playmaker said the Maroons legend had been a huge help to him since his move north.
"Having Johnathan Thurston here, he's the best half in the world, so to learn off him will only make my game better," he said.
"My manager and I were thinking about my future but with the injury to JT I got my time before I thought I would.
"Thurston's still around, helping me out, he chatted to me about a few things at halftime and we spoke after the game.
"It's great to have him and Greeny (Cowboys coach Paul Green) who was a great halfback as well, they both have great minds of the game and know what they are talking about.
"I want to learn as much as I can from them."
After being unwanted by Penrith, the Kiwi international considered joining the Warriors before the mid-season transfer deadline, before opting for a move to the 2015 premiers.
"There were some talks there (with the Warriors) but I ended up here and I'm thankful for that," he said.
"I was grateful to have a few opportunities and choices to make from different clubs but I think the Cowboys were the better option for me and for my future."
Martin has enjoyed a seamless transition in to the Cowboys playmaking ranks, joining Michael Morgan and Lachlan Coote in the unenviable job of covering for Thurston's brilliance.
Saturday's win was the Cowboys fourth in a row without their star half and, after languishing in reserve grade at the Panthers, Martin couldn't be happier with how his move has panned out.
"I enjoyed stepping in to that playmaking role against the Warriors and that's just how it panned out," he said.
"Everyone knows their role and what they need to do and I know mine, it's been easy to get the gist of the team.
"Things happen for a reason and I'm happy I've ended up here."
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