Martin to make Crusaders bow

Tuesday 2nd March 2010

Crusaders centre Tony Martin says he can't wait to make his debut for the Welsh side after his ‘frustrating' injury lay-off

Martin, 32, who signed from Wakefield Trinity Wildcats for the 2010 Super League season, has been forced to watch his teammates from the sidelines so far this year due to a knee injury picked up in pre-season.  But the versatile Aussie is now nearing full-fitness, targeting the Crusaders next home game against Catalans Dragons on Friday March 19th to make his eagerly anticipated debut.

And Martin, who previously played for World Club Challenge winners Melbourne Storm, is itching to pull on the red jersey for the first time

"It's been very frustrating coming to a new team and not being able to get out there on the field and start playing straight away", Martin said.

"My knee is something I've got to look after and make sure that when I do start playing it doesn't happen again. I've been taking a few precautions with it and fingers crossed I'll be back in a couple of weeks. Hopefully that will be the end of the injury and I can get back playing."

And Martin, who has made 122 appearances in the NRL, as well as stints in Super League with Harlequins and Wakefield, was full of praise for his teammates efforts this season.

"They've done fantastic considering all the things they've had to come up against. With us coming together as a group so late, not having any friendlies going into the season. To beat Hull at home, who beat St Helens and Huddersfield, teams that finished second and third last year, was a great result for us. We've got two wins out of four now, so if we can keep doing that there is a real chance we can finish in the top 8 come the end of the season.

Crusaders face a tough visit to the Halliwell Jones Stadium this Sunday to face high-flying Warrington Wolves (kick-off 3pm). The Wolves have spent big in the close season and Martin is wary of the threat the team possesses.

Martin said:"They have got class players all over the park. They're probably the team that's gone out and spent the most money in the off-season.  They've got a very good coach now in Tony Smith and they've bought some very good players.

"Warrington have had some good results of late so it will be another tough test for us. But its something we're looking forward too, we're looking to improve on our performance every week no matter who we play against. It's another step up the ladder for us and hopefully we can do ourselves proud on Sunday."