Cameron Munster-Liam Martin feud resolved by surprise mediator

Melbourne Storm superstar Cameron Munster arrived at the grand final fanfest under strict instructions to end his brewing feud with Panthers rival Liam Martin.

Melbourne Storm superstar Cameron Munster arrived at the grand final fanfest in Sydney on Thursday morning under strict instructions from his mother Debbie.

Munster was told in no uncertain terms that he was to make amends with Penrith enforcer Liam Martin, having earlier in the week suggested the two were mortal enemies.

Munster did as he was told, posed for photos and seemingly buried the hatchet before Sunday night’s grand final at Accor Stadium.

The world’s shortest feud was over.

“Mum is mum, she hates confrontation, she’s at home looking after my beautiful kids with my wife, and she said, ‘you need to make sure you go out there and make amends with Liam’,” Munster said.

“She loves her footy. She’s a big fan of Liam. We’ll see how we go. It’s all fun and games. I guess someone has to be the villain in this big game, and I’ll happily be the villain.”

Liam Martin and Cameron Munster patched up their differences at the fan day. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Munster played it well. His stoush with Martin was set to be one of the big talking points heading into Sunday night but the pair took some heat out of the issue as they smiled for the cameras on Thursday afternoon.

History has shown, however, that there will be no love lost when they arrive at Accor Stadium. Munster and Martin have crossed paths on the big stage before and things haven’t always ended as cordially as they did on Thursday.

They played cute for the cameras but there will be no quarter given or asked as the season reaches its crescendo.

Best of frenemies 👀#pantherpride 🐾 #letsridepic.twitter.com/I1Fs4LpwFP

— Penrith Panthers 🏆🏆🏆 (@PenrithPanthers) October 3, 2024

Munster is in some of the best form of his career and will be a target for the Panthers as they look to put the clamps on a running game that has eviscerated Cronulla and the Sydney Roosters in the finals series. Munster has run for more than 180 metres in both games and busted 13 tackles.

Martin certainly won’t be changing his aggressive or antagonistic style, which means at some stage the pair are likely to lock horns on the game’s biggest stage.

Neither will take a backward step.

“Of course there’s respect there,” Munster said.

“He’s one of the best backrowers in the game – he’s a loveable larrikin. You want to go to battle against the best, and he’s one of them.

“He’ll want to take my head off, but there’s mutual respect there.”

Originally published as Cameron Munster-Liam Martin feud resolved by surprise mediator