Martin out for Munster revenge over man-of-match outing
Scott Bailey |
Liam Martin has revealed he took Cameron Munster’s man-of-the-match award personally in State of Origin II, vowing to do a better job on his arch-nemesis in the decider.
Martin will again embrace the role of being a chief antagonist for NSW next Wednesday night, admitting he too would label himself a grub if he was a Queensland fan watching on.
But while Martin’s running feud with Munster has become something of an on-going joke, the Penrith backrower is serious about the job he must do on him in Origin.
Martin considers it his responsibility to make an opposing half’s life hell, and he and Munster have met in 10 Origins, two grand finals and two other finals matches.
Munster was able to get the better of their battle in Perth last month, named man of the match in his first game as Maroons captain after Queensland’s 26-24 win levelled the series.
“I said before the game that I knew he’d want to stand up as captain and that it was probably my job to go after him,” Martin said.
“I probably didn’t do my job in game two so I’ll definitely be looking to change that in game three.
“It’s your job as the back-rower to keep that opposing half under control and try to make their life hell and take them away from their game.
“It’s a job I need to get done, and hopefully it goes towards us winning it.
“It’s frustrating when you see them do well so I’ll be looking to change that in game three.”
Martin also had a running feud with other Queenslanders in Perth, giving Tino Fa’asuamaleaui a spray when a heavy hit on the lock forced an error.
In the next set the 28-year-old was on the receiving end himself, copping a spray when Valentine Holmes got under the ball and forced him to cough it up.
Martin admits his antics can be hard to watch back.
And he has no doubt how he would feel about the man in the NSW No.11 jersey if he was a Queenslander watching on during Origin matches.
“I’d hate me,” Martin said.
“I’d think I was the biggest bloody grub and Derek there is.
“Watching some of the games back, I’m like ‘Oh God, what am I doing?’ But in the moment I enjoy it.
“But that’s part of footy. I’d like to think that if people met me away from the field then they’d think I’m actually an alright guy.
“You can’t take what you do for the 80 minutes (and focus on that) because there are another 10,000 minutes in the week with what I’m like away from footy.”
AAP
