Sport
10 October, 2024
Barmedman’s Martin medal winner on big weekend
What a weekend it was and a storybook ending too with Back to Barmedman on full throttle and son of Barmedman Liam Martin also making his mark at the NRL grand final.
Liam Martin capped what was without doubt his best NRL season to date by winning the Clive Churchill Medal in Penrith Panthers' fourth-successive grand final victory.
Martin’s reaction to the announcement was pure excited schoolboy, and it was brilliant. He was mobbed by teammates who pulled and ruffled his hair, and roughed him up with some hugs.
Once the Panthers gained the lead in the big match their confidence seemed to grow. Clive Churchill medallist Martin launched himself into the heavens above Xavier Coates and brought down a Cleary bomb, eventually leading to the Alamoti try. That pushed the lead to eight, and from there the Panthers ensured the scorers could have an early night.
It quickly became clear this was going to be Penrith’s night.
The first half demonstrated how far they’ve come as a football side since their 2020 grand final loss to Melbourne.
On that night, the Storm’s rushing defence rocked Penrith to their soul. They made mistakes, none worse than a Nathan Cleary intercept pass, and they vowed after full-time to never get pushed around like that again.
Melbourne did try the same tactic on Sunday night, but this time they got their comeuppance. While Cleary and halves partner Jarome Luai danced around the Storm’s big forwards with ease, the Panthers’ pack kept moving through the middle of the field.
Soon enough, Penrith moved Melbourne out of the contest.
Australia and NSW backrower Liam Martin was the deserved Clive Churchill Medallist. He was an everywhere man in attack and defence, the embodiment of what Penrith Panthers are all about.
His side now becomes the first since the legendary St George sides of the 1950s to win four consecutive premierships.
Read More: Barmedman
