Young gun Myles from home but already feeling like he belongs

After spending time at Parramatta and Newcastle, the chance to be mentored by two of the game's most respected front-rowers was all the motivation Myles Martin needed to pack up his kitbag and head to the national capital.

The 19-year-old's decision to ink a three-year deal to join Ricky Stuart's Raiders means he'll be tutored by Josh Papalii and Joseph Tapine, two giants of the engine room who boast 498 games for Canberra and 43 Tests between them.

For the towering teen who hails from Bathurst, a shot at an NRL debut in 2025 alongside Papalii, Tapine and newly minted Kangaroo Hudson Young is the stuff of dreams.

"The chance to learn from them is massive," Martin said. "Seeing what 'Taps' did in international game, what 'Papa' has done for Queensland, their work off the ball, that's something I aspire to do.

"There's a big opportunity for me to step up in my role with them and give them a run and try and get a crack myself [in the NRL].

"I love playing in the middle, getting in that dirty stuff, bit of tackling and bit of ball-playing at the end. I love to get in and rip in."

That range of skills earned Martin a NSW Blues under 19s jersey in 2023, joining forces with a posse of young guns he will call teammates next year, including Ethan Sanders, Ethan Strange, Savelio Tamale, Jake Clydsdale and Chevy Stewart, to put the Maroons to the sword 32-14.

The bonds built in Blues camp were a big factor in Martin choosing Canberra as his home for the next three seasons, and coach Stuart's vision for the club's future was another key factor.

"We definitely had a tight group in the Origin team so knowing that they're here, a a few messages before we came down sealed the deal.

"It feels like you're around boys you like to hang out with.

"I was at the Eels before Newcastle with Ethan Sanders, so we grew up pretty tight in Parramatta and we were always talking about it.

"Then a couple of messages with Savelio, who came down from the Dragons, and then once we heard Ricky's plan for the next five years and what he is doing with the younger guys, that made my decision pretty easy."

Apart from his Blues brothers, Martin has more familiar faces in Tom Starling and Zac Hosking, who also spent time in the Newcastle system.

"That makes me feel more at home, big time. I'm closer to home here and it's got that country feel about it. I'm definitely loving it here so far," he said.

"I'd love to make my debut next year, be consistent in NSW Cup and even consistent in NRL games if I get the chance to do that."