3 minute read
When Liam Martin first heard his name mentioned in NSW State of Origin contention he thought he wasn't a chance, but now he is a real back-row option.
Liam Martin's sister was one of the first to start talk of her brother being a potential NSW State of Origin bolter, but the Penrith second-rower didn't pay much attention to it.
"She sent me a screenshot of Trent Merrin's team or something like that," Martin told AAP.
"I just laughed it off and didn't buy into it too much. I was just like: 'It won't happen'."
That was just over two weeks ago on May 12, when former Blues lock Merrin had Martin starting in the second-row alongside Tyson Frizell.
Since then, Martin's chances of an Origin spot have gone from an outside shot to a real possibility when the team is announced on Sunday night.
NSW coach Brad Fittler confirmed on the same day Boyd Cordner would play no part in the series despite nearing his Sydney Roosters return from concussion.
Victor Radley was the next to fall - suspended for five matches at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday - before Angus Crichton followed hours later to be rubbed out of Game I.
Regardless, Martin is no last man standing.
Even before the Roosters duo were banned, NSW selectors were disappointed David Fifita's suspension meant they didn't get a chance to see Martin handle him in Magic Round.
A virtual unknown before the start of last year, Martin was an unsung hero of Penrith's 17 straight wins as he held a starting spot at right centre.
He has formed a strong partnership with Blues halfback Nathan Cleary, breaking the line nine times in 2020 and routinely having the No.7 kick aerially for him.
The 24-year-old Temora product has reverted to the bench this year, playing in the middle for periods and even starting there last week against South Sydney.
'I feel up to (Origin) if I was given the opportunity," Martin said.
"It's every kid's dream to play in the NRL and play in State of Origin. So if I was given my opportunity I would take it with both hands."
Other NSW options for back-rowers include lock Jake Trbojevic as well as Isaah Yeo and Cameron Murray, who can play in the middle or on an edge.
Parramatta pair Shaun Lane and Ryan Matterson are also options as well as veteran Tariq Sims with Frizell the only real certainty.
Meanwhile, the Panthers' Origin representation could be anywhere between two and nine after Saturday's clash with Canterbury.
Cleary is a certainty for NSW and Kurt Capewell for Queensland, while Jarome Luai would be hard pressed not to find himself in the Blues team somewhere.
Brian To'o remains an option for the NSW wing, Stephen Crichton could find himself used during the series while Yeo and Martin are back-row contenders.
Matt Burton has also been floated as a potential bolter, while Apisai Koroisau will be in the conversation but must be considered long odds to dethrone Damien Cook at hooker.
