It has been 86 long years since the Kiwis last played a test in Dunedin, and the countdown to their return has begun.
The Kiwis will host Great Britain in a Four Nations match at Forsyth Barr Stadium on November 8.
It is still seven weeks away but the excitement is building.
''For people in the South Island, and deep south in particular, to get a game of this stature with the players that are going to be here is huge for the development of the game,'' Martin said.
''So often the catchcry down south is we need to see the stars but there has not been an opportunity.
''To get the cream of New Zealand rugby league and the Poms as well is a real coup.''
Given it has been so long since the Kiwis last played in Dunedin, the market is untested.
The Warriors have played pre-season games - both against the Broncos - in Dunedin in the past two years.
They attracted a big crowd of 15,345 for first fixture in 2013 but crowd numbers dropped to 6800 for the second game this year.
Martin is optimistic the Kiwis will attract a crowd of 20,000.
''According to the Forsyth Barr Stadium folk, there have been the equivalent sales, this far out, as there would be for an All Blacks test match, so that has to be encouraging.''
Fans had been ''coming out of the woodwork from everywhere'' and Martin anticipated there would be ''leaguies from the West Coast, Christchurch and Invercargill who will be flooding into the city for this game.''
To meet crowd expectations, Martin said the game would need to attract people other than ''the diehard rugby league folk''.
''There are a lot of people who are interested in rugby league because of the NRL who don't necessarily play or participate in rugby league, so who is to know?
''It has been 86 years since the Kiwis have been here and that has to be an incentive for people to come and look at it.''
The ticket prices should not put people off. Prices range from $25 to $45.
''In comparison with other major sporting events in Dunedin, that is value for money, I would have thought.''
Both teams are expected in the city on the Tuesday before the Saturday test.
''That will give people an opportunity to attend some open trainings and there will be some community engagement which is scheduled for the younger kids and will give people a chance to meet the players.''
The New Zealand University team will play a South Island selection side in the curtain-raiser and further entertainment is also planned.
''There will be quite a bit happening which we will be revealing over the next couple of weeks.''
