PENRITH great Greg Alexander believes the Cowboys don’t have to chase a big name playmaker to replace Johnathan Thurston after this year, adamant Te Maire Martin has done enough to prove he deserves a full-time halves spot.

Expecting to simply learn from Thurston after he was a mid-season signing from the Panthers last year, Martin took his opportunity when thrown into the deep end after Thurston suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.

Although both ended in disappointment, the 22-year-old held his own in the grand final against Melbourne and as Shaun Johnson’s halves partner in New Zealand’s World Cup campaign.

Michael Morgan’s success in filling Thurston’s shoes at halfback also helps Martin’s chances of locking down the no. 6 jersey full-time.

Thurston will retire at the end of the season and Alexander doesn’t believe the Cowboys need to splash the cash to replace him, especially with the off-contract Morgan in line for a significant upgrade.

“Whether they chase someone, I would think not,” Alexander said.

“Even though Te Maire hasn’t played a great deal of NRL matches, I’m sure the Cowboys are thinking that (Morgan and Martin) is their seven and six when JT does retire.”

Morgan thrived under extra responsibility at halfback and Alexander said he deserves to be rewarded with a rich deal similar to Thurston’s.

“I think he’s reached that mark,” Alexander said.

“What he showed last year, he’s stepped up from being an outstanding player to a great player, and can potentially be one of the best in the competition for a long time.

“Te Maire will get his chance this year at some point and he’ll be better after a pre-season up there, but he’s only slightly built and has to work on the physical part of his game.

“There’s no doubting his skill and ability, it’s him being able to handle that edge defence and continue to improve his attack.”

Martin could be a candidate to play as a bench utility, with Josh Chudleigh and Ben Hampton the other contenders for the no. 14 jersey.

“That’s up to Greeny (coach Paul Green). I’d take it on but he knows what’s best for the team and I’ll let him decide that,” Martin said.

“I’ve just got to bide my time and learn as much as I can off JT, it’s pretty cool watching him around training and seeing what he does. He’s so calm and is pretty fun to watch.”

Martin earned instant respect from his new teammates last year by playing on with a knee injury late in the season which should have sidelined him for a month.

“She’s all good now, I have to try and lift some proper weights and try and run properly,” Martin said.

“It’s just the way it happened, it was serious enough to stop playing. Coming intoa team like this you just want to play very week and silly injuries like that can’t get in the way really.”