Casualty ward | Martin aggravates hamstring injury

True Blue Liam Martin has suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury during the Penrith Panthers’ 16-15 golden point win over the Newcastle Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle on Saturday night.

Martin had been sidelined since the Panthers’ 16-10 win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Round Two and lasted only 34 minutes against the Knights before he was forced to leave the field.

“He’s not that great, felt it early, but kept playing,” Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said.

“It’s a bit of a mystery actually. It is a concern so hopefully we can get to the bottom of it.

“It’s the same kind of story we’ve had recently where it doesn’t seem that bad but I’m not a medic. It’s frustrating for him and frustrating for us.”

Martin has been a staple in the second row for the Westpac NSW Blues since making his debut in the 2021 Origin series, playing six games.

The opening game of this year’s series is on Wednesday 31 May at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide and Westpac NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler will pick his squad at the conclusion of Round 12.