The former Temora Dragons junior arrived on the big stage this year when he debuted for the Panthers off the bench in round three, in a 32-2 drubbing at the hands of Melbourne.

Martin was among Storm royalty again on Friday in Wagga, grouped with Cameron Smith, Dallas Johnson and Ryan Hinchcliffe at The George Maher and Hamish Howard Remembrance Golf Day at the Country Club.

In between, the backrower has chalked up another 15 NRL games in an impressive first season, but feels he's still establishing himself in the top flight.

"Yeah, I guess just getting used to the game," Martin said was the most important less of the year.

"They always talk about it, saying it's so much quicker and what-not. But when you play it, you realise how much of a step up it is. I just want that fitness and will try and build on that in the pre-season."

Martin's last 12 games were all in the starting side for the Panthers, none more memorable than his 80-minute appearance against Manly in round 12.

Martin scored one try and set up the other to taste his first victory, all after a late call-up from coach Ivan Cleary.

"The Manly game, one of the boys, Viliame (Kikau), he was crook and Ivan gave me the call in the morning," Martin said.

"I was 18^th man and he said, 'Look, we're going to need you to play.' It was a bit different. Usually you have a couple of days to prepare. So, you wake up in the morning and think you're not really doing much and then next minute you're playing,

"I didn't really have time to think about it and it was probably the best game I've played, so, I might need to do it a bit more often!"

Personally, it turned out to be a breakout year for the 22-year-old. For the Panthers though, an 11-and-13 season wasn't up to scratch.

"Pretty disappointed with the season we had," Martin said.

"I think we could've done a lot better and I'm pretty keen to get into next year. I think we all are too."

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