Liam Martin won’t bite at Queensland claims he is the “grubbiest” and “dirtiest” NSW player since Paul Gallen, but is willing to give as good as he gets in Origin II on Sunday.
The Blues backrower was front and back-page news in Queensland on Wednesday, with The Courier Mail anointing him as the new enemy of the state because of the defensive tactics he employed in the series opener.
Still images aimed to show Martin had used his elbow and a swinging arm as the Blues tried to recover from the eventually losing scoreline of 16-10.
Martin was even compared to former Blues captain Gallen, who famously declared Queenslanders had “two heads”, and earned the disdain of the entire state.
Liam Martin. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
“I’m not quite at his level, he was an outstanding player and the NSW captain,” Martin said on Wednesday. “I think I’ve got a way to go before I’m on the level of Gal.”
Conceding he “probably” was a bit of a grub, Martin said the Maroons’s tactics to get under his skin wouldn’t affect his state of mind in Perth on Sunday.
“I didn’t really mind it, I couldn’t care less,” he said. “That’s part of Origin and footy and what happens on the field.
“I probably am (a bit of a grub) and they’ll be into me and whatever they give I’ll give back. I don’t mind it (having a target on my back) and they can come for me all they want and whatever I get I’ll give back.”
Martin made his starting debut in Sydney and will now shift from the right edge to the left following Brad Fittler’s decision to axe Tariq Sims.
That side is full of Penrith teammates giving Martin a sense of comfort as the Blues aim to square the series.
“I think I’m going to play a bit of both,” Martin said. “I have the ability to play on the left and the right and I play on the right at the Panthers.
“I’ve played both sides in the past and having Jarome (Luai) and Nathan (Cleary) alongside me makes it easy to adapt given I’ve played so much with them both.”
Excoach
Roar Rookie
“Based on the NRL and ARL records” . Perhaps you could guide me to where in ARL web site there are stats about suspensions etc going back for the ‘last 100 years ”………. P.S. ….. I’m sure I don’t need to tell someone like you that the NRL has only been around since 1998. Right?
Muzz
Guest
Ennis was low . Derogative comments about opposition players wives, mums etc to get under their skin. He is the GOAT.
Sam
Guest
Based on the NRL and ARL records
Sam
Guest
It all depends on your definition of a grub then, I'd class grubs as players who get suspended for foul play
Excoach
Roar Rookie
"Billy Slater is the most suspended fullback in over 100 years of rugby league" based on your research, hyperbole or ignorance?
Phil
Roar Rookie
Ennis was a blatant, gutless coward. I don't care about comparing suspensions when it comes to Ennis. He is lucky he played in the era in which he did, being protected by video. In a previous era he would have been bashed into a premature retirement and deservedly so such were his methods. When he was a youngster coming through the ranks at Newcastle, his team had a session with the 1st graders. He niggled a prominent hard nut forward so much he had to run and hide when said forward was going to give him a lesson in behaviour and respect.
Sam
Guest
Not even close! Billy's 2006 season alone (suspended on three separate occasions in a single year) has got Ennis's whole career covered, and Ennis played in the middle making 35 tackles a game (ie a lot more chances for a tackle to go wrong)
Nat
Roar Guru
That’s what the journos are trying to conjure up.
Phil
Roar Rookie
If you think Billy Slater is the grubbiest player in history then you have never seen Michael Ennis play. To call Ennis a grub is an insult to grubs he was so low. He was also the greatest coward to have laced on a boot, a real hit and run merchant, not having the intestinal fortitude to stand and face the person he whacked. No mate, Slater is a saint compared to Ennis.
MUCK
Roar Rookie
Cant say Ive heard or read anything about Martin being a grub , cant even say I remember him doing much in the game at all. Bit of a media beat up I think. They just create their own hype so they can then report on it. Blah.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Which is worse, super or mega? And is the smallest size “regular” like at Maccas? :silly:
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Regardless of whether he’s a grub, it’s not smart to say that out loud. Now, every time he does something marginal, he’s far less likely to get the benefit of the doubt.
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
We need more grubs. Cockroaches, canetoads and grubs. How good would origin be then??!?!
Sam
Guest
Billy Slater is the most suspended fullback in over 100 years of rugby league. Unlike forwards who through hitups and tackles come into contact with the opposition around 40 times per game, Billy only came into contact with the opposition about 10 times per game. On a suspension per contact with the opposition ratio, Slater is the grubbiest player in history.
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Payne Haas should be the pantomime villain to fire up the midweek origin banter. Bag Queensland. Bag the Broncos. Tell Tino he will rip his head off and ask him how his move from the Storm to the Titans is going. This "only worry about ourselves", "prepare the best we can" and "camps been great" is soooooo boring. Cmon someone fire up. Queensland could at least throw out one "NSW can't win without Turbo" or "NSW can't win with Turbo".
Cam
Roar Rookie
Unfortunately the era of grubby players has probably passed us by. Every good drama has a villain, but God help Origin if we are relying on Liam Martin to fill that role, John Hopate and Les Boyd must be rolling their eyes.
Muzz
Guest
Martin is not a grub, He's just a highly competitive tough and in your face footy player. Gal, Miles, Kaufusi super grubs. Sam Burgess, John Hopoate Mega grubs