Liam Martin

Liam Martin
Personal information
Full nameLiam Martin
Born (1997-03-05) 5 March 1997 (age 27)
Temora, New South Wales, Australia
Height181 cm (5 ft 11 in)
Weight100 kg (15 st 10 lb)
Playing information
PositionSecond-row
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2019– Penrith Panthers 126 27 0 0 108
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2018 NSW Residents 1 0 0 0 0
2021–24 New South Wales 12 2 0 0 8
2022–23 Australia 6 3 0 0 12
Source: [1]
As of 6 October 2024

Liam Martin (born 5 March 1997) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a second-row forward for the Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League and Australia at international level.

He won the 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 NRL Grand Finals with the Penrith club. He has represented the NSW Blues in State of Origin.

Known for his aggressive defense, high work rate, and ability to break tackles, Martin has been an integral part of the Panthers' recent success, including their multiple premiership victories.

He is recognized for his toughness on the field, often playing through injuries, and his relentless energy, making him a fan favorite and a key player for both club and country

Early life

Martin was born in Temora, New South Wales, Australia. He was educated at West Wyalong High School. He is a cousin of former NRL footballer Trent Barrett. He played junior rugby league for the Temora Dragons.

Playing career

2019

In Round 3 of the 2019 NRL season, Martin made his NRL debut for Penrith against the Melbourne Storm. Martin scored his first try in the top grade in Round 10 against the New Zealand Warriors which ended in a 30–10 defeat at Penrith Park.[2] Martin made a total of 16 appearances for Penrith in the 2019 NRL season as the club finished 10th on the table and missed out on the finals for the first time since 2015.[3]

2020

Martin played 21 games for Penrith in the 2020 NRL season as the club won the Minor Premiership and reached the 2020 NRL Grand Final. Martin played in the grand final which Penrith lost 26–20 against Melbourne.[4]

2021

On 30 May 2021, Martin was selected by New South Wales for game one of the 2021 State of Origin series. Martin made his New South Wales debut from the bench in game one of the series as New South Wales defeated Queensland 50–6. Martin played in all three games of the series which New South Wales won 2–1.[5][6][7]

Martin played a total of 27 games for Penrith in the 2021 NRL season including the club's 2021 NRL Grand Final victory over South Sydney.[8]

2022

On 29 May 2022, Martin was selected by New South Wales to play in game one of the 2022 State of Origin series.[9]

In round 23 of the 2022 NRL season, Martin scored the winning try which sealed Penrith's second consecutive Minor Premiership in the clubs 26-22 victory over South Sydney.[10]

Martin played 22 games for Penrith in the 2022 NRL season including the clubs 2022 NRL Grand Final victory over Parramatta.[11]

In October he was named in the Australia squad for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.[12]

Martin played for Australia in their 2021 Rugby League World Cup final victory over Samoa. Martin scored a try during the first half of the game.[13]

In November he was named in the 2021 RLWC Team of the Tournament.[14]

2023

On 22 May, Martin was selected by New South Wales for game one of the 2023 State of Origin series.[15] Martin played 18 games for Penrith in the 2023 NRL season including the clubs 26-24 victory over Brisbane in the 2023 NRL Grand Final as Penrith won their third straight premiership.[16]

2024

On 24 February, Martin played in Penrith's 2024 World Club Challenge final loss against Wigan.[17] On 26 May, Martin was selected by New South Wales ahead of the 2024 State of Origin series.[18] Martin played in all three games as New South Wales won the series 2-1.[19] Martin played a total of 22 games for Penrith in the 2024 NRL season. On 6 October, Martin played in the 2024 NRL Grand Final and won the Clive Churchill Medal as Penrith defeated Melbourne 14-6.[20]

References

  1. ^ Rugby League Project
  2. ^ "New Zealand Warriors streamroll Penrith Panthers". NZ Herald.
  3. ^ "Blame game will not solve Panthers' problems". Western Weekender.
  4. ^ "Melbourne Storm beat Penrith Panthers as it happened". www.theguardian.com.
  5. ^ "NSW Origin team: Luai gets nod for Freddie's fresh-faced Blues". www.nrl.com.
  6. ^ "NSW Blues win State of Origin series opener 50-6 against Queensland Maroons". ABC. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  7. ^ "Green's rookie call pays off big time... but questions remain over Origin future". www.foxsports.com.au.
  8. ^ "One of finest NRL grand finals of all time provides cure to difficult season". www.theguardian.com.
  9. ^ "Wighton starts at centre as Blues confirm lineup for Game One". www.nrl.com.
  10. ^ "NRL Thursday LIVE: Panthers win grand final rematch to seize minor premiership; players union blasts 'witch hunt' against Knights stars kicked out of cubicle". wwos.nine.com.au.
  11. ^ "We hate Parra as Panthers mock Eels as Koroisau pokes fun at Tigers". www.smh.com.au.
  12. ^ Full list of every squad at the Rugby League World Cup 2021
  13. ^ "Australia 30-10 Samoa: Rugby League World Cup final – as it happened". www.theguardian.com.
  14. ^ Samoan domination as unlikely halfback earns No.7 jersey: WC Team of the Tournament
  15. ^ "Graham ruled out for Blues, trio to debut as Fittler makes 'gamble'". www.nrl.com.
  16. ^ "NRL grand final 2023: Penrith Panthers defeat Brisbane Broncos – as it happened". www.theguardian.com.
  17. ^ "World Club Challenge: Wigan Warriors 16-12 Penrith Panthers - Cherry and Whites crowned world champions for fifth time". www.bbc.co.uk.
  18. ^ "Blues name six rookies, new captain for Origin opener". www.nrl.com.
  19. ^ "Eels' worst fears; image Kevvie won't want to see in Broncos' brutal Origin blow — Late Mail". www.foxsports.com.au.
  20. ^ "Martin's monster game earns him Clive Churchill Medal". nrl.com. 6 October 2024. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
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