Penrith Panthers player Liam Martin has been accused of being ‘grubby’ in State of Origin Game 1 and has been dubbed as the Blues’ new ‘villain’ by Queensland media.
Four acts in a ‘grubby rampage’ have gone viral after Queensland newspaper The Courier-Mail decided to take aim at the New South Wales forward.
The four incidents all happened within four minutes of each other in Game 1 where Queensland narrowly took out the upset victory with a 16-10 win.
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The alleged ‘offences’ include the Panthers player swinging an arm into the back of Cameron Munster’s head in the 64th minute.
In the 65th minute, the Queensland paper made note of Martin putting his forearm into the throat of Dane Gagai too.
The next incident came in the following minute with the Courier Mail alleging Martin rubbed his head into former Panthers teammate Kurt Capewell’s face.
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And finally, in the 68th minute, Munster was once again the apparent victim with Martin digging his elbow into the Queensland player’s ribs.
The newspaper also pointed out that Martin wasn’t penalised for any of the incidents.
Despite attempting to rile up the rivalry between New South Wales and Queensland, many have come out in defence of Liam Martin and his passion for State of Origin.
The panel on NRL 360 dissected the incidents, with Braith Anasta saying: “This is what you want in Origin... Liam was doing his job here.
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Paul Kent responded: “100 per cent. I’d like to see NSW come back tomorrow with their own dirt file on Queensland
“I actually quite like this. I think it’s good, it’s quite spicy for the Origin build up. I think Game I we were lacking a little bit.”
Kent added: “I thought Liam Martin was terrific in Game I and I think he brought some of the physicality that NSW really need - and he needs to do it again.”
Meanwhile, Queensland hooker Harry Grant pleaded ignorance to the incidents and Liam Martin’s actions.
He told NRL 360: “I don’t actually know what you’re talking about.
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“I thought the grubbiest player just had to be Tino Fa’asuamaleaui because he never showers... but I’m not sure, I haven’t really seen any of that or looked into it.
“But you know what it’s like, it’s Origin footy, it’s a lot more physical and faster than NRL and everyone goes up a level.”
Whilst Maroons captain Daly Cherry-Evans actually praised Martin’s playstyle.
He told The Courier-Mail: “Liam gets through a lot of work and he is such a determined player. He never wants to let his teammates down, he gets stuck in and it’s really clear in his playing style."
Featured Image Credit: Channel Nine. Supplied/NRL.Topics: NRL, Rugby League, Australia