- Martin barely trained in the lead up to the NRL decider
- Martin has been struggling with injured ribs for weeks
- Backrower defied odds to claim the Clive Churchill Medal
Panthers star Liam Martin has revealed he’s been on painkillers most of the season and barely trained in the week before the NRL decider after injuring his rib cartilage in training.
Martin, 27, claimed man of the match honours in Penrith’s 14-6 grand final victory over the Melbourne Storm on Sunday.
The tenacious forward’s contributions were pivotal to Penrith’s win, scoring a try and setting up another to win his maiden Clive Churchill Medal.
Only those close to the team know the real pain Martin has been battling with in recent weeks, and all the painkilling injections he’s needed to take the field.
‘I did the ribs leading up to the Roosters’ [qualifying final] – I did it during a wrestle session believe it or not,’ Martin told the Sydney Morning Herald.
‘Paul Alamoti popped it. I struggled to train that week, and got it needled up. I doubled up last week [against the Sharks] because it did nothing. I thought, ‘This is doing shit’, so they put more in.
‘It was tender tonight. But as the night went on, it felt alright. I couldn’t do anything during the week at training.
‘The AC has scarred over, but I’ve had that needled each week since I did it back in round four against the Roosters. I got pinned in a tackle and landed awkwardly. I was able to get it needled that night and finished the game.’
Liam Martin (pictured) has revealed he injured his rib cartilage in the weeks before the decider and could barely train
Martin, playing on painkillers, was immense for the Panthers on Sunday claiming his maiden Clive Churchill Medal
It puts him in the same class as South Sydney Rabbitohs champions Sam Burgess and John Sattler, who both suffered broken jaws only to be best on park in premiership wins.
Fans might have noticed Martin’s heavily strapped right shoulder during the season – but as bad as it looks, Martin says he won’t need another operation.
‘For some reason the needle wore off on Sunday night [in the AC joint]. It doesn’t need surgery, it just looks bad,’ he said.
Martin’s brutal tackling and fearless running was relentless as he joined Luke Lewis, Craig Fitzgibbon and Gorden Tallis as the only other second-rowers to have been named the best player in a grand final in the NRL era.
His one-on-one strip on Jack Howarth in the second half came at a crucial time as the Storm were gaining ascendancy and his 43 tackles were integral to his forward pack’s dominance.
‘Oh wow. It’s so surreal,’ Martin said as he collected his medal.
‘I just want to congratulate the Storm on a fantastic year. I’ve got the utmost respect for you guys, you’re just there every year.
The talented backrower says he had to double his painkilling injections to play
Martin is in the same class as South Sydney Rabbitohs champions Sam Burgess (pictured) and John Sattler, who both suffered broken jaws only to be best on park in premiership wins
‘To our boys, I love you so much. Just shows the character we have to dig deep, and I was gone then but to have you boys drag me along. I adore you guys, the fans. Just love you guys.
‘Thank you so much. We do it for you, we do it for Penrith. Love yous.’
Nathan Cleary said the performance was up there with one of Martin’s best in a Penrith jersey.
‘I’ve been playing with Marto since we were 17, so to see him come this far, I’m pretty proud of him,’ he said.