NRL 2024: Liam Martin to target Cameron Munster in grand final but denies any feud

Liam Martin has responded to suggestions of a feud with Cameron Munster, insisting any bad blood is not reciprocated. But that won’t stop him going after the Storm star in the grand final.

Penrith enforcer Liam Martin says the bad blood that Cameron Munster felt for him was not reciprocated as he vows to go after the Storm five-eighth and the rest of the Melbourne team on Sunday night.

Munster raised a few eyebrows including Martin’s when he said the pair “did not really like each other in Aussie camps”.

Munster and Martin have played in back to back end of seasons tournaments for the Kangaroos and their paths will cross in the decider this weekend.

Liam Martin has responded to comments made by Cameron Munster that the pair ‘did not really like each other’. Picture: Getty Images

While Munster insisted the pair “get along well at the moment” there is little doubt Martin felt a little off-put by the comments.

“I won’t play any differently,” Martin said. “I was planning on going after him and the rest of the Storm team like I usually do. It won’t change anything in that aspect.

“I thought we were sweet. I don’t know. I wouldn’t say we were best mates but I thought we were fine. I was quite surprised by it. It is what it is.”

while they are almost certainly going to cross paths on Sunday they might not have to play alongside each other for the Kangaroos this year.

Martin will be picked in Australia’s Pacific Championships squad but Munster needs surgery to repair an injured groin. Munster has kept the door open about playing but may be ruled out.

Martin says while there isn’t any bad blood with Munster, he will still go after him in the grand final. Picture: Getty Images

Martin said there would be no ill-will if they came into camp together.

“It’ll be fine,” Martin said. “You’re in a big group. You don’t have to be best mates but you have to get along well enough to play footy together.”

Martin is on the brink of playing his fifth grand final.

He said he still has to pinch himself ahead of featuring in another premiership decider.

“You have to focus – this is like a whole new game, a whole new comp,” Martin said.

“What you’ve done in the past means nothing. You have to turn up on the day and earn it again. We will be looking to do the same.”