Liam Martin on Overcoming Early Season Challenges for Panthers’ Five-Peat
Liam Martin, a key player for the Penrith Panthers, has acknowledged the need for the team to address a significant weakness as they strive for an impressive fifth consecutive premiership, starting with their match in Las Vegas. Last season, the Panthers stumbled early, losing the World Club Challenge and a total of two out of their first five games. This trend continued into 2023, with losses in the WCC and two of their first three matches. Given their track record of only a handful of losses each year, this slow start has been a primary focus for improvement.
Martin noted that the team has been sluggish off the blocks in recent seasons, creating unnecessary pressure. "We have been a bit slow off the mark the last couple of seasons," he explained to Wide World of Sports. "We’ve worked really hard in the off-season to fix that, and we’ll see if our efforts pay off against Cronulla, who are a top four team and will definitely challenge us."
The upcoming match in Las Vegas is particularly significant, not just for its historical context but also for the emotional stakes involved. With both teams eager to secure a victory, Martin expressed the team’s determination while acknowledging the quality of their opponents.
Martin has also shared some personal challenges from the previous season, revealing that he battled through finals with a troublesome shoulder injury, which he sustained early in the year. Despite needing pain relief throughout the finals, he managed to avoid surgery and has since given the injury ample rest. "I feel great now and can’t wait for the game; none of us can—this place is just amazing," he added, expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge.
As the Panthers gear up for their Los Vegas opener, the emphasis will be on making a strong start and refining their gameplay to increase their chances of success this season. The pressure is on, but with their full roster and a revamped focus, they are hopeful about reversing last year’s unfortunate opening run.