The chance to play a NRL game virtually on his home turf is something Penrith young gun Liam Martin has in his sights.
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The Temora junior made his top grade debut in the heavy 32-2 loss to Melbourne Storm last week and is busily reassessing goals for the season.
Martin was named in the final 19-man squad for the Panthers' clash with Wests Tigers on Friday but the return of Isaah Yeo and Viliame Kikau forced him out of the side.
However the chance to shine when his club takes on Canberra in a Wagga's NRL next month is something the 22-year-old would love to be apart of.
"It would be great if I could get the chance to play at Wagga," Martin said.
"Obviously that is up to the coaches and I've just got to keep working hard and hopefully earn a spot there."
The second rower certainly put in plenty of hard work in defence in his first game.
He made 33 tackles in his 32 minutes on the field plus made 41 metres from six runs.
Martin said he just wanted to give it all for his side.
The 22-year-old grew up in Barmedman, was schooled in West Wyalong but played all his football with the Dragons.
It includes being part of their Weissel Cup premiership success in 2015, his last game at Equex Centre, before making the move to Sydney.
Part of the Panthers SG Ball team that season, Martin spent hours on the road in order to play and has worked his way into the top grade.
He was emotional before his debut and it definitely exceeded all his expectations.
"It was unreal," Martin said.
"Definitely the best moment of my life and I don't know how to put it into words.
"It wasn't what I was expecting, it was so quick and physical, but it was unreal."
Taking on the likes of Cameron Smith made it even more special.
"It was incredible playing against Cam Smith," he said.
"Obviously growing up to look up to him and he's such a great player and great person.
"Playing against him was unreal.
"It was next level."
Martin is the third Dragons junior to make his NRL debut since 2017 following Joe Stimson at the Storm and Zac Lomax at St George Illawarra.
It continues their impressive trend of producing quality rugby league talent, led by Trent Barrett.
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