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Westpac NSW Blues forward Liam Martin has opened up on his family connection to Australian of the Year Neale Daniher's inspirational battle with motor neurone disease.
Growing up in the Riverina and attending school at West Wyalong High School, Martin became close to the Danihers as a child.
The Blues forward played junior AFL alongside Neale's nephew Chris and has watched closely as Daniher has inspired the nation since his diagnosis with MND.
The former Essendon player has helped raise millions of dollars to fund research into the degenerative disease. Daniher's battle took on an even greater personal meaning for Martin when his uncle was diagnosed with the condition.
MND has touched the NRL community in recent years, with former Maroons enforcer Carl Webb losing a battle with the condition in 2023. Prior to his death, he set up the Carl Webb Foundation to help others suffering from the disease.
Daniher was working for the West Coast Eagles in Perth when he was diagnosed with MND. Now, as the Blues look to wrap up the State of Origin series at the Eagles' home ground, Martin said Daniher's inspirational journey will be front of mind.
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Liam Martin Try
"One of my best mates is Harvey Daniher, so I know the family really well," Martin told NRL.com. "Neale's story is incredible.
"I've read his book and I had an uncle that passed away from MND so what they're doing in that space is massive. I'd love for the NRL to get behind it and do something to support MND research.
"Having that personal connection with them and to see what Neale's done with the research and raising funds is incredible. When I had my uncle diagnosed, it was even more inspiring so I have a lot of admiration for Neale, he's an incredible person."
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Felt like home: Martin loving life on the edge
Martin juggled rugby league and Aussie rules as a child, playing junior league for the Temora Dragons and AFL for the Northern Jets in Ariah Park.
While he was a handy Aussie rules player, the forward's passion always lied with rugby league and he grew up desperate to become an NRL player.
Martin achieved that dream in 2019 and he has quickly developed into one of the most reliable forwards in the competition.
The 28-year-old will experience a mix of the old and new when he runs on to Optus Stadium on Wednesday and he's thrilled to be doing it as a rugby league player.
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Panthers connection to bolster Blues culture
"I played AFL for the Northern Jets," Martin said. "We made the under 17s grand final but we didn't win. That's going back a long time into the past.
"It was fun but I was always a rugby league kid. I played since I was four years old so it was my whole life and I was more inclined to rugby league. I played both but I wasn't much chop at AFL. I've got the body shape for rugby league.
"It's a massive honour to play for NSW. I never take it for granted being able to pull on the sky blue. We played in Perth a couple of years ago, it's a cool city with a cool stadium so hopefully the fans turn up and make it a cool atmosphere."
Match: Maroons v Blues
Game 2 -
home Team
Maroons
away Team
Blues
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
The Blues arrived in Perth full of confidence after a gritty 18-6 win over Queensland at Suncorp Stadium in Game One and they're desperate to close out the series on Wednesday night.
History is in their favour, with NSW winning the two previous games at Optus Stadium in 2019 and 2022.
The Blues have not let their thoughts drift too far during the week in camp, particularly given the Maroons' tendency to deliver when their backs are against the wall.
NSW coach Laurie Daley has lent on the state's history to inspire his side, with the team honouring the 1985 and 2005 series victories.
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Former Blues winger Michael De Vere addressed the team prior to Game One, with his infamous staple-gun incident from 2003 a hot topic of discussion.
Most of the current team are too young to remember the moment but Martin said it's inspiring to hear what former players went through for their state.
"When you pull on the jersey you're honouring what they've done before us and you take their legacy and try to leave it in a better place," Martin said. "Something we've done well over the last couple of years is that connection between older players and current players.
"Laurie said 'you're not a former Origin player, you are an Origin player'. It's cool to hear their stories and learn off them.
"They show how tough it is and you've got to do anything for the team. In [De Vere's] instance, he's injured but he kept going and kept turning up so we took a lot out of that."
