Liam Martin has given Penrith fans a major scare after leaving the field clutching his ribs and shoulder during the Panthers’ semi-final win over the Bulldogs.
The NSW and Kangaroos forward was assisted from the field in the 73rd minute.
He was hit hard in the 46-26 victory by former teammate Viliame Kikau.
With a preliminary final showdown against the Brisbane Broncos looming, Martin’s fitness is set to be a key storyline for the four-time reigning premiers.
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Late scare for Penrith enforcer
Martin hit the ground awkwardly under Kikau’s tackle, immediately clutching his right shoulder before being helped from the field.
He was later taken down the tunnel by trainers as TV cameras captured him wincing in pain.
“Liam Martin goes through and there’s contact from Kikau over the top and that right shoulder just compresses on the ground,” Cooper Cronk said on Fox League.
Warren Smith added: “A major injury storyline for Liam Martin. We know how tough he is, but with his history, that is one to follow.”
Ribs or shoulder?
While Martin’s shoulder has long been an issue, Cronk suggested the bigger concern might have been his ribs.
“Look at his ribs there, just grabbing his ribs from the contact when he hit the ground,” Cronk said.
Smith agreed: “He came down on top of the ball there. That might have been more the issue.”
But moments later, Smith voiced what Panthers fans were fearing.
“He also has padding on that right shoulder. Oh, he’s in trouble,” he said.
Martin brushes off injury fears
Despite the concern, Martin attempted to downplay the incident post-match.
“It was alright - a bit of carry on but I’m alright now. The win makes it feel better,” Martin told ABC Sport.
Teammate Scott Sorensen added: “Anytime you get hit by Kikau it hurts.”
The Panthers will now wait to see whether their hard-edged second-rower is fit to line up against Brisbane in next week’s preliminary final.