The Queensland Rugby Union is pleased to announce that promising halfback James Martens has been signed through 2027.
Martens, 20, took his first strides as Queensland Reds player #1419 with outings against Tonga and Japan’s Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in the second half of 2025.
Those matches and four further uncapped appearances through the Super Rugby AUS competition and against the Wild Knights in Toowoomba gave the Reds coaching staff a valuable feel for the halfback's skills and suitability for more opportunities.
A member of the 2026 Reds squad, his contract has now been extended to the end of 2027.
The son of 1993 Springboks halfback Hentie Martens has had the benefit of halfback wisdom in the family from his earliest rugby experiences. His chances in first grade with the GPS club last year also gave him valuable experience after schoolboy steps at Brisbane Boys' College.
"The Reds is definitely a good place for development and to play with the good coaching," Martens said.
"I have a lot more to learn for sure. It's nice to have the other halfbacks in the squad in your corner as well because you pick up things every day.
"I definitely enjoyed running out in the Reds jersey last year. It happened very quickly so I know anything can happen when you are working hard.
“Mentally, I always see space and opportunities on the field. That’s always something dad has helped me with in terms of when to quick tap or why you might do things."
Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said Martens had made a positive impact since getting his first chance against Tonga last August.
"James had been in the Buildcorp Reds Academy program for a number of years," Kiss said.
"I love the balance he shows with his instincts and learning his role at No.9 with what his forwards need and so on. He continues to impress with his application to growing his craft at halfback."
Martens' signing coincides with fellow Reds halfback Louis Werchon, 23, inking a two-year deal to play with Italian club Benetton Rugby from July, 2026 to June, 2028 after the completion of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
This maintains the Reds' strength at halfback with Wallabies Tate McDermott and Kalani Thomas locked in at Ballymore through 2027.
Werchon's move follows his six-month placement with the Italian club, from July last year, under the progressive partnership between the Reds and Benetton Rugby.
Werchon played seven games for Benetton in the United Rugby Championship, made a strong impression and has returned to Reds training with sharpened skills.
The Reds are supportive of the deal and Kiss said it leaves the door open for Werchon to return to the Reds with the invaluable experience of European rugby under his belt.
Benetton Rugby President Antonio Pavanello praised the Reds for their professionalism and enthused about a shared vision focused on future international development.
"We would like to thank the Queensland Reds for their co-operation. This has been carried out in a climate of great professionalism and represents a virtuous example of international co-operation between clubs,” Pavanello said.
