ST HELENS – Panthers star Liam Martin is doing all he can to get into the Kangaroos’ team for their first knockout match against Lebanon next week – but freely admits that he’s up against it for selection after barnstorming showings from his teammates in the three games so far.
While Australia’s halfback dilemma has dominated chat in the media, the 66-6 victory over Italy threw up serious questions in other areas, with Martin putting himself in the frame for a second row gig thanks to a superb showing that included his first international try.
His problem is the sheer depth that Australia can offer in his position. Isaah Yeo is likely to revert to lock, which would shift Cameron Murray to an edge forward role, while both Angus Crichton and Jeremiah Nanai have impressed in their time on the field.
Nanai and Crichton have scored in both of their fixtures, with the Cowboys rookie claiming the man of the match award on Saturday night (Sunday AEDT) in St Helens.
“It’s going to be hard,” he admitted. “Jeremiah is playing out of his skin, Gus (Crichton) is playing well and Murray too. It’s going to be tough, but I hope I put my best foot forward and go from there.
(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
“Just being here in the first place is something that I’m loving, it’s a mad experience. I love every minute and if I do end up not in the 17, I’m really not fussed. I’m happy to be around the boys so I don’t really mind.”
That’s not to say Martin hasn’t been aiming up. Alongside his showing on the field, he has been doing extras off it and stunned the watching fans and journalists at a recent field session with a bone-crunching shot that left teammate Reagan Campbell-Gillard in a heap.
The pair found the whole incident hilarious, but it speaks to the intensity within the squad as they fight for places in Mal Meninga’s best 17.
“It’s a good position to be in when everyone is playing well, it lifts everyone to that level,” he said of the incident.
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“Mal probably looks at both our performances out there and in training. He’ll take both into account and make his decision, with quality staff who have a say as well.”
He did add that his place might hinge on other selections in the side. The combination he has with Cleary and Yeo could help when selecting combinations, as Meninga said he would in the post-match presser.
With that in mind, Martin picking the ideal running line and receiving a sublime Cleary pass for a second half score can’t have hurt his claim.
“It’s all him!” Martin joked. “I have to give him credit – I just have to put myself in the right spot at the right time and he’ll do everything else. He’s a world class player.
“Everyone on this side is such a good player that we can all fill positions. I don’t know if that Panthers connection will play into it, but hopefully a little bit.”
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