State of Origin manager Liam Martin reveals how his brother helped make him one of the game’s most feared players before his tragic suicide
- Liam Martin’s late brother had a huge influence on him
- Jarred Martin showed his younger brother no mercy
- If you need help, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
NSW Blues enforcer Liam Martin has revealed how his late brother helped him become one of the game’s most feared defenders.
Martin, 27, grew up in West Wyalong in the NSW Riverina and idolized his older brother Jarred.
A former Canberra Raiders under-20 player alongside Josh Papali’i and Jack Wighton, two ACL injuries ended Jarred’s NRL dream.
He committed suicide aged just 22 while attending the Falls Festival in 2014. Drugs were not involved in his death.
Previously he had stressed to a teenage Liam on the importance of tackling correctly and using his low center of gravity.
“He was six years older, he was like a front rower, so I had to learn quickly to get my technique down,” the bruised back rower told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“When he came back from Canberra in the 1920s, he showed me all these wrestling techniques.
NSW Blues defender Liam Martin has revealed how his late brother Jarred helped him become one of the game’s most feared defenders.
“I gave him about 30kg, and he was (still) there to make fun of me…” He had this defensive mindset. I try to imitate his game.
Now a three-time NRL premiership winner with the Panthers, Martin’s brother is still in his thoughts.
“I never got to play this game together, but every time I walk on this field I feel you looking at me,” Martin captioned a photo on Instagram, where he had the name Jarred on his wrist.
Former Canberra Raiders under-20s player Jarred Martin (left) taught Panthers star Liam (pictured right, teenager) how to tackle with intention.
“I hope I make you proud, brother.”
Martin emerges as a key figure for Michael Maguire’s men ahead of the second match at the MCG on Wednesday night, where NSW must win to keep the Origin series alive.
The Blues last won the interstate trophy in 2021 and are desperate to bounce back from the 38-10 hammering they suffered in the first game after Joseph Sua’ali’i was sent off in the seventh minute for his shocking blow on Reece Walsh.
Daily Mail Australia gave Martin the second highest player rating of all NSW stars in that match, in which he provided a rare highlight for the Blues by beating J’maine Hopgood in a vicious but classic tackle.
