LIAM Martin would have been excused for walking around with a big head last week.
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But just three days after producing undoubtedly the finest game of his NRL career in Penrith's win over Manly on Thursday, the back rower was on hand to watch junior club Temora 's 48-16 win over Cootamundra at Nixon Park.
The 22-year-old finished with a try, a try assist, a line break, 104 metres and 35 tackles to secure three Dally M votes as best on ground.
Martin wasn't even originally selected in Penrith's 17, but seized his opportunity when star back rower Viliame Kikau withdrew late due to injury.
Zac Lomax was a Temora Dragon before joining the St George Illawarra variety. The flyer put Temora's first grade team through its paces at training last Friday night.
First grade coach Sam Elwin said the impact of Temora talents who have realised their NRL dream is vital for youngsters in the town looking to follow suit.
"They're massive. The thing about those boys is they're all really good fellas," Elwin said.
"Liam comes back and catches up whenever he has a spare weekend off, and I was lucky enough to have Zac Lomax come and run first grade training on Friday night.
"He was really good for our outside backs, I thought our back three were our best on the weekend."
Another Temora product, Melbourne Storm back rower Joe Stimson, plans to spend more time giving back to the club after signing a three-year deal with Canterbury from 2020 onwards.
"Joey has assured me, even though he's very unreliable, that when he gets a weekend off he'll come and help out," Elwin said.
"That's the best thing about the Temora boys, they always remember where they come from and always do their bit to help out in the community.
"We grew up kicking around a footy and playing different sports, doing our part to help out the town. Some have gone onto bigger and better things and are making the most of it."
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