Langer Cup 2020: Meet Bailey Martin, the toughest teen in Queensland

Palm Beach Currumbin forward Bailey Martin might not look like it but the 174 centimetre lock could be the toughest teenager in Queensland rugby league.

Palm Beach Currumbin forward Bailey Martin might not look like it but the 174 centimetre lock could be the toughest teenager in Queensland rugby league.

Martin was 16 years old when his school coach Brad Davis selected him to represent Queensland’s Cities in an annual representative clash with Queensland Country last year. During training camp Martin dislocated his shoulder.

Usually that would mean six weeks on the sidelines from the moment he regained full range of movement.

Martin chose to play on that weekend anyway.

PBC Student Bailey Martin poses for a picture at Pizzey Park Burleigh. Photograph : Jason O'Brien

Within minutes of kick-off he had dislocated it again.

He popped it back and played on, only to dislocate it for a third time in the space of the week on the next set of six.

Martin played on for 20 more minutes until Davis finally convinced him to leave the field. He did it for his mates.

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“It was pretty tough (to play on) but I was trying to stay on for the boys,” he explained.

“It’s important to me that I don’t want to let my team down.”

Surgery and seven months of rehabilitation repaired the damage, which will make his potential return to the starting team all the sweeter for the student who started at PBC in Grade 8. Davis said he was extremely proud to see Martin back on the pitch.

“He’s definitely a tough kid and someone you want in your footy team,” he said.

“He’s worked diligently on his rehabilitation to get back to this level.

“With COVID issues we weren’t sure he’d make it back to play another game for the school.”

Martin said he wouldn’t change his approach to the game.

“If I see the chance I’ll put a shot on – no fear.”