- Liam Martin’s late brother was a big influence on him
- Jarred Martin showed no mercy to his younger brother
- If you need help, please contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
NSW Blues enforcer Liam Martin has revealed how his late brother helped make him one of the game’s most feared defenders.
Martin, 27, grew up in West Wyalong in the Riverina region of New South Wales and idolized his older brother Jarred.
A former Canberra Raiders under-20 player alongside the likes of Josh Papali’i and Jack Wighton, two ACL injuries ended Jarred’s NRL dream.
He took his own life at just 22 years old while attending the Falls Festival in 2014. Drugs were not involved in his death.
Earlier, he reminded a teenage Liam of the importance of tackling properly and utilizing his low center of gravity.
“He was six years older and was like a top rower, so I had to learn quickly to get the technique right,” the defender said. Sydney Morning Herald.
‘When he came back (home) from Canberra in the ’20s, he showed me all these fighting techniques.
NSW Blues defender Liam Martin has revealed how his late brother Jarred helped make him one of the most feared defenders in the game.
‘I gave him about 30kg and he was (always) there, bothering me…’ He had that defensive mentality. I try to emulate his game.”
Now a three-time NRL premiership winner with the Panthers, Martin’s brother is always in his thoughts.
“We never got to play that game together, but every time I walk on that field I feel like you’re watching me.” Martin captioned a photo on Instagram.where he had Jarred’s name on his wrist.
Former Canberra Raiders under-20 player Jarred Martin (left) taught Panthers star Liam (pictured right as a teenager) how to tackle with intent.
“I hope I’m proud of you, brother.”
Martin figures to be a key figure for Michael Maguire’s men ahead of game two at the MCG on Wednesday night, where NSW must win to keep the Origin series alive.
The Blues last lifted the interstate trophy in 2021 and are desperate to bounce back from the 38-10 thrashing they suffered in the first game after Joseph Sua’ali’i was sent off in the seventh minute for his shocking hit on Reece Walsh.
Daily Mail Australia awarded Martin the second-highest player rating of any NSW star in that match, in which he provided a rare highlight for the Blues by defeating J’maine Hopgood in a cruel but textbook tackle. text.