State of Origin enforcer Liam Martin reveals how his brother helped make him one of the game’s most feared players before his tragic suicide

NSW Blues enforcer Liam Martin has revealed how his late brother helped mould him into one of the game’s most feared defenders.

Martin, 27, grew up in West Wyalong in the NSW Riverina region and idolised his older brother Jarred.

A former Canberra Raiders under-20s player alongside the likes of Josh Papali’i and Jack Wighton, two ACL injuries ended Jarred’s NRL dream.

He took his own life aged just 22 while attending the Falls Festival in 2014. Drugs were not involved in his death.

Previously he drummed home to a teenage Liam the importance of tackling properly, and utilising his low centre of gravity.

‘He was six years older, who was like a front-rower, so I had to learn quickly to get my technique right,’ the bruising backrower told the Sydney Morning Herald.

‘When he came back [home] from Canberra in the 20s, he showed me all these wrestling techniques. 

‘I gave away about 30kg to him, and he was [always] there rissolling me….’He had that defensive mindset. I try to emulate his game.’

Now a three-time NRL premiership winner with the Panthers, Martin’s brother is always in his thoughts.

‘Never got to play that game together but every time I step on that field I feel you looking over me,’ Martin captioned a photo on Instagram, where he had Jarred’s name on his wrist.

A former Canberra Raiders under-20s player, Jarred Martin (left) taught Panthers star Liam (pictured right, as a teenager) how to tackle with intent

‘Hope I’m doing you proud brother.’

Martin looms as key figure for Michael Maguire’s men ahead of game two at the MCG on Wednesday night, where NSW must win to keep the Origin series alive.

The Blues last lifted the interstate trophy in 2021 and are desperate to bounce back from the 38-10 hammering they copped in game one after Joseph Sua’ali’i was sent off in the seventh minute for his shocking hit on Reece Walsh.

Daily Mail Australia gave Martin the second-highest player rating of any NSW star in that match, in which he provided a rare highlight for the Blues by belting J’maine Hopgood in a vicious but textbook tackle.