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Liam Martin subscribes to the “what happens on the field stays on it” mantra.
Which is a good thing, because a lot happens on the field when Martin is on it. The Penrith back-rower, who wears the “grub” moniker that was first bestowed upon him in the State of Origin arena last year with pride, was at it again last week.
Just 14 minutes into the clash against Melbourne, a melee broke out.
“Liam is the one who starts that, there’s no need for that,” referee Adam Gee said after the opposing players were pulled apart.
When Martin conceded a penalty for a flop on Nick Meaney shortly afterwards, the Storm fullback gave him a gobful. Martin didn’t have to wait long to return serve.
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.
Liam Martin gives Nick Meaney a shove.Credit: Nine
“I 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, ‘No, bugger it’,” Martin grinned.
For most rugby league fans, Jarome Luai is the game’s great agitator. Martin also has claims to the mantle.
“I think I’ve always sort of had it, it’s been drilled into me, that competitiveness,” he said. “Growing 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’ve been like that since I’ve been young.”
As for the “grub” moniker, the NSW forward simply shrugs his shoulders.
Liam Martin at Penrith’s fan day on Tuesday.Credit: Getty
“I don’t really care, they can call me whatever. It’s just a part of the footy game,” he said. “As soon as the game’s finished, you shake hands and are back to being mates. Whatever happens on the field.”
Even Martin’s mother Maxine, who used to drive him up to 1000km per week from Temora just to play football, started wondering about her boy.
“I remember the article last year with Origin and she was like, ‘You’re not a grub, are you?’” Martin recalled. “And I was, ‘Oh mum, I don’t know.’
“She’s 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’s where I got it from.
“I wouldn’t 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’s an incredible woman and I certainly wouldn’t be where I am without her.”
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.
“I had the opportunity to re-sign and didn’t think about going anywhere else,” he said. “This is my new home and couldn’t picture myself anywhere else.”
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