{"id":338228,"date":"2023-10-12T19:53:37","date_gmt":"2023-10-12T19:53:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/?p=338228"},"modified":"2023-10-12T21:01:24","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T21:01:24","slug":"origin-rival-annoying-blues-firebrand-in-aussie-camp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/?p=338228","title":{"rendered":"Origin rival 'annoying' Blues firebrand in Aussie camp"},"content":{"rendered":"

Blues<\/a> firebrand Liam Martin insists he is excited to line up alongside his Maroons<\/a> counterparts for Australia<\/a>'s Test against Samoa<\/a> in the opening match of the Pacific Championships on Saturday.<\/p>\n

Despite the players'\ufeff differing allegiances during the regular NRL season, Martin said the green and gold cause can heal all bitter rivalries.<\/p>\n

"\ufeffIt's just footy," he told 9News.<\/p>\n

READ MORE:<\/strong> 'Strange decision' leaves Stoinis irate in Aussie loss\ufeff<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

READ MORE:<\/strong> Clayton Oliver in mystery hospital visit after trade saga<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

READ MORE:<\/strong> Premiership winner to replace Fittler as Blues coach<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Liam<\/p>\n

"\ufeffThey're all great guys, they're absolute legends. Once footy is finished and you're off the field, you become mates."<\/p>\n

Despite building a reputation as a serial pest, Martin said one particular Queenslander "takes the crown" on him.<\/p>\n

"Harry Grant is annoying me a \ufefflittle bit actually," he said with a smile.<\/p>\n

Watch the Kangaroos take on Samoa and New Zealand in the 2023 Pacific Championships on Nine and <\/strong><\/em>9Now<\/strong><\/em><\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

"He's just annoying – pinching me, \ufeffthrowing balls."<\/p>\n

Within the Kangaroos' squad, \ufeffMartin is the only specialist backrower. While following in the footsteps of former NSW captain Boyd Cordner, Martin said the duo could not be compared.<\/p>\n

"I've still got big shoes to fill with Boyd, he was my idol," he said.<\/p>\n

"If I could have even half the career\ufeff he had it would be incredible."<\/p>\n

\"Lindsay<\/p>\n

Here is everything you need to know about the 2023 Pacific Championships.<\/p>\n

Who are in the Pacific Championships pools?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Men's Pacific Cup<\/strong> \u2013 Australia, New Zealand and Samoa<\/p>\n

Men's Pacific Bowl<\/strong> \u2013 Cook Islands, Fiji and Papua New Guinea<\/p>\n

Women's Pacific Cup<\/strong> \u2013 Australia, New Zealand and Tonga<\/p>\n

Women's Pacific Bowl<\/strong> \u2013 Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Papua New Guinea<\/p>\n

What are the dates of the\ufeff Pacific Championships?<\/h3>\n

\ufeffThe Pacific Championships will begin on Saturday, October 14 with play occurring over four weekends.<\/p>\n

Australia will feature in the opening matches for both the men's and women's competitions as last year's men's Rugby League World Cup finalists clash again in Townsville.<\/p>\n

The men's Pacific Cup final will take place in Hamilton, New Zealand on Saturday, November 4. While the men's Pacific Bowl final will be held at Port Moresby on Sunday, November 5.<\/p>\n

There are no finals for the women's Pacific Cup or Pacific Bowl competitions.<\/p>\n

What does the Pacific Championships schedule look like?<\/h3>\n

Saturday October 14 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville<\/strong><\/p>\n