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Liam Martin subscribes to the \u201cwhat happens on the field stays on it\u201d mantra.<\/p>\n
Which is a good thing, because a lot happens on the field when Martin is on it. The Penrith back-rower, who wears the \u201cgrub\u201d moniker that was first bestowed upon him in the State of Origin arena last year with pride, was at it again last week.<\/p>\n
Just 14 minutes into the clash against Melbourne, a melee broke out.<\/p>\n
\u201cLiam is the one who starts that, there\u2019s no need for that,\u201d referee Adam Gee said after the opposing players were pulled apart.<\/p>\n
When Martin conceded a penalty for a flop on Nick Meaney shortly afterwards, the Storm fullback gave him a gobful. Martin didn\u2019t have to wait long to return serve.<\/p>\n
Just before half-time, Meaney made an error, one Martin was quick to remind him of. Pushed the Storm star in the back as well, for good measure.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Liam Martin gives Nick Meaney a shove.<\/span>Credit: <\/span>Nine<\/cite><\/p>\n \u201cI remember he gave me a gobful when I gave away the penalty on him, so as soon as I saw him [make an error] I was like, \u2018No, bugger it\u2019,\u201d Martin grinned.<\/p>\n For most rugby league fans, Jarome Luai is the game\u2019s great agitator. Martin also has claims to the mantle.<\/p>\n \u201cI think I\u2019ve always sort of had it, it\u2019s been drilled into me, that competitiveness,\u201d he said. \u201cGrowing up, whatever you do, just do your best. As soon as you cross that white line, you play with as much passion as you can. I\u2019ve been like that since I\u2019ve been young.\u201d<\/p>\n As for the \u201cgrub\u201d moniker, the NSW forward simply shrugs his shoulders.<\/p>\n Liam Martin at Penrith\u2019s fan day on Tuesday.<\/span>Credit: <\/span>Getty<\/cite><\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t really care, they can call me whatever. It\u2019s just a part of the footy game,\u201d he said. \u201cAs soon as the game\u2019s finished, you shake hands and are back to being mates. Whatever happens on the field.\u201d<\/p>\n Even Martin\u2019s mother Maxine, who used to drive him up to 1000km per week from Temora just to play football, started wondering about her boy.<\/p>\n \u201cI remember the article last year with Origin and she was like, \u2018You\u2019re not a grub, are you?\u2019\u201d Martin recalled. \u201cAnd I was, \u2018Oh mum, I don\u2019t know.\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s the one I get the competitive competitiveness from. I remember watching her play basketball and she was throwing elbows against her sisters and all that. She\u2019s where I got it from.<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t be here without her. The amount of sacrifice that she had over the years. She did everything, not just for me but also my other brothers and sisters. She\u2019s an incredible woman and I certainly wouldn\u2019t be where I am without her.\u201d<\/p>\n Where he is at is a fourth straight grand final. The sustained run of success, coupled with the camaraderie built up with his teammates, is the reason he took less money to recommit to the Panthers until the end of 2027.<\/p>\n \u201cI had the opportunity to re-sign and didn\u2019t think about going anywhere else,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is my new home and couldn\u2019t picture myself anywhere else.\u201d<\/p>\n Watch the NRL Grand Final Exclusive Live and Free on Channel 9 and <\/i><\/b>9Now<\/i><\/b>.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Sports news, results and expert commentary. <\/i><\/b>Sign up for our Sport newsletter<\/i><\/b>.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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