Intrust Super Premiership turn NRL-regular Rhyse Martin caught all by surprise when taking to the field in the Bulldogs' Round 23 clash with the North Sydney Bears.
Having starred in the NRL since making his debut in Round 9, Martin had featured in just one ISP match since that point – ironically, also against the Bears, in Round 14.
Under NSWRL rulings, NRL-regulars must feature in at least eight Intrust Super Premiership NSW matches to be eligible for finals selection.
Playing 23 games for the Bulldogs in the ISP in 2017, Martin had featured on just seven occasions for the reserves this season – making him ineligible to turn out for the Bulldogs in the ISP finals if he was not to figure in the competition again before the regular season's end.
While the Bulldogs are out of finals contention in the NRL, the side is well in the hunt for a top four finish in the ISP, and Martin's services will be invaluable come the play offs.
