Former Panthers and Cowboys half Te Maire Martin has signed a one-year development contract with the Broncos.

The 26-year-old was forced to retire from the NRL after specialists barred him from contact sport, suffering a bleed on the brain in 2019.

After showing no signs of any recurrence, Martin returned and played for Waikato in the domestic New Zealand competition coming away unscathed and ready to work towards an NRL contract.

Martin has passed a final medical clearance according to the Broncos statement and will sign on for one year, while also penning a deal with affiliate club Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the Hostplus Cup.

“It’s great to see Te Maire back in an NRL system,” Broncos’ head of football Ben Ikin said.

“Prior to his brain injury he was one hell of a player ... hugely skilful, and a very dangerous ball runner.

“Te Maire joins us on a development list contract and I’ve no doubt will be pushing some of our other notable candidates to partner Adam Reynolds in the halves.”

The talented playmaker made his debut for the Panthers in 2016, scoring a try and kicking a field goal to win the game for the mountain men.

In 2017, the classy pivot joined the Cowboys, playing an important role in the Cowboys late surge and Grand Final birth.

After 55 games, Martin’s career was cut short but now he has a chance to line up for the Broncos who still are yet to have a set halves partner for new signing Adam Reynolds.

Albert Kelly, Tyson Gamble both played in the halves last season at various points, while young gun Ezra Mam is also in contention for a spot after impressing in last year’s Queensland Cup season.