‘Dark times’: Young gun reveals the cost of his injury
Sebastian Tan |
If it weren’t for Noah Martin’s partner, the barnstorming second-rower reckons he would have spiralled out of control.
Martin made his much-anticipated return to the NRL in Canberra’s 40-16 thumping of Canterbury last Saturday and the 21-year-old looked like he hadn’t missed a game.
He especially produced a stunning try-saving strip that led to winger Xavier Savage streaking down the field to score.
The second-rower had been consigned to the sideline for weeks after he picked up a double syndesmosis injury against the Wests Tigers in round eight and was sent for surgery.
Being confined to a wheelchair wasn’t a simple task for Martin, who admits he can’t sit still for 10 minutes.
But he says his partner, Elli Beecham, was the key to helping him make a swift recovery.
“She took three weeks off work on carer’s leave or whatever they call it. I had to move out of my house and into my in-laws’ house,” Martin said.
“I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel in the first couple of weeks because I was getting around in two moon boots on crutches. So it was pretty tough.
“When I was sitting in the wheelchair, I was thinking there’s no way I can get through this. It was some dark times, but having my girlfriend there, she got me through it.
“I don’t know how she did, but she got through.”
Martin was initially told he wouldn’t return to the Raiders until at least round 22, leaving him even more miserable.
But ahead of his second game back against South Sydney on Saturday, he’s looking to produce another standout performance to underline his sparkling return.
Another player that will be in the spotlight at GIO Stadium will be Corey Horsburgh, as rumours circulate he may leave the Green Machine ahead of his contract expiration at the end of next year.
The forward, who was called up to Queensland’s game three State of Origin squad as the 20th man, has been integral for Canberra this season, but salary cap pressures mean the Raiders may have to let him go.
Second-rower Hudson Young wouldn’t be lured into questions about Horsburgh’s future but declared the team hadn’t been affected by the speculation.
“We know that Corey’s in it for this year and next year … He hasn’t spoken to us as players that anything’s happening,” Young said.
“I’ve been with Corey since 2019. We made our debut together, so he’s a big part of the club.”
The Raiders, who need to beat the Rabbitohs to keep in contention for the top eight, welcome back winger Savelio Tamale to the interchange bench after he struggled in Canberra’s clash against St George Illawarra in round 17.
Origin duo Ethan Strange and Young also return to the starting side after beginning on the bench for the Bulldogs’ match.
AAP