Liam Martin excited to be part of NRL game in Wagga

The Temora product has been named on the bench for Penrith's clash against Canberra at Equex Centre on Saturday.

The last time he played on the ground he was named man of the match as the Dragons claimed the 2015 Weissel Cup grand final.

He's excited to be part of just the second NRL game in the city.

"It's very exciting come out to the Group Nine area to play an NRL game," Martin said.

"They don't come around very often.

"We play a country game at Bathurst every year but I think this is only Wagga's second game so it is going to be exciting."

He expects to have plenty of support in the crowd with family and friends set to take advantage of the much travel required to see the lock on the big stage.

Martin is even hoping to convert a few friends how are usually Raiders supporters.

"I've already talked to a few and they said they were making the trip over," he said.

"There should be a fair few friends and family.

"Hopefully there is a few more converted to the Panthers as there are a few Raiders supporters among my friends."

The match against the Raiders will be Martin's fourth NRL game.

He made his debut against Melbourne at Bathurst a month ago and has played in the Panthers last two losses.

The 22-year-old believes he's finding his feet in the world's toughest rugby league competition.

"It's exceeded all my expectations in terms of the physicality and the speed but I am enjoying it," Martin said.

"I'm getting a lot more comfortable and confident with the more games I play.

"I'm getting used to the intensity and the tempo of it all."

Martin played 32 minutes, and made 33 tackles, in his debut against the Storm in round three but missed the tight win over Wests Tigers and a loss to Gold Coast before returning to the side.

He played 20 minutes in the loss to the Sharks in round six before a 35-minute stint in the loss to South Sydney on Friday.

Martin ran for a career best 49 metres from eight runs against the Rabbitohs.

After two four-point losses the 22-year-old believes the side is building towards an important win.

"We've been working towards one," Martin said.

"Last weekend I think we played really well and if we can build on that into this week we should hopefully come away with the win."

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