NSW Blues advisor Greg Alexander has all but confirmed a place for breakout Penrith gun Liam Martin when final Origin squads are named in the coming weeks.
Martin has been a revelation for the Panthers throughout their stunning rise in 2020 and formed a lethal right-side attacking partnership with Nathan Cleary that has seen the second-rower cross for five tries this year.
Brad Fittler will carry a 27-man squad into the post-season series, and Alexander says its highly likely Martin will be one of those named despite only making his debut in 2019 and playing 35 first-grade games.
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“He has had a great year,” Alexander said on Fox League after Penrith's qualifying final win over the Roosters.
“An outstanding year and just how dangerous Penrith have been left and right with Kikau and Martin.
“He has combined beautifully for most of the year with Nathan Cleary.
“I think Liam has made 10 linebreaks which is a lot for a back-rower. Viliame is about that on the other side of the field, but Liam will certainly come into contention.
“When the 27 man squad is finalised as we go through the finals series I’m sure Liam will be a part of it.”
The Blues are spoilt for choice when it comes to backrowers and Fittler is unlikely to stray too far from the starting outfit that claimed a second successive Origin title last season.
A number of Martin's teammates are also expected to be included as a reward for Penrith's incredible campaign, which continued with Friday's 29-28 win over the premiers that places them in the preliminary finals and just two wins away from the premiership.
Cooper Cronk admits Martin may not make his debut in this series given the experienced players ahead of him.
However, Cronk believes Martin is made for the Origin arena and selecting him in the squad amongst a number of other young players will help prepare him for future representative opportunities.
“He is the perfect player to be in the preliminary squad to be around the group and get exposed to Origin,” Cronk said.
“I don’t think he plays Origin this year, but if an injury goes down he might. But get him in and around the team like Lomax and Papenhuyzen and get a taste of what Fittler is doing and what Brandy is doing and get them ready for the next couple of years.”
