“Bash Brothers” Fulton Reed and Dean Portman terrorised their rivals on the ice in D2: The Mighty Ducks, with the state of NSW now hoping to see “Blues Brothers” Liam Martin and Hudson Young go after the Maroons on Wednesday night.
The duo weren’t born when the movie came out in 1994, but it was a special year for the Blues as they marched up to Brisbane and won a series decider for the first time at Suncorp Stadium.
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Martin missed the first two games of this year’s series due to a knee injury, but he’s back on his familiar right side of the field where the plan is for him to target old foe Cameron Munster for as long as his lungs will let him.
The Panthers star will team up with Young in the back row with the series on the line, with fellow forward Payne Haas describing Martin as a “wild man” as he prepares to play his 16th game for his state.
“Watching it (game two) was very frustrating. I would have loved to have been out there and I thought I’ll do whatever I can to get to this game three,” Martin said.
“I probably didn’t think I’d played well enough (for Penrith) but I’m glad they put their trust in me. I’m going to get up there and get the job done.
“I just would have loved to have been there, be in the contest, the physicality. I was missing it a bit, so I’m glad I’m there for game three and can’t wait.”
Liam Martin and Hudson Young after winning game 1 of the 2025 State of Origin series between Queensland and NSW at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Pics Adam HeadSource: News Corp Australia
Young had Haumole Olakau’atu on the right edge in the series opener before Dylan Lucas was brought in to make his debut at the MCG, with Queensland going after that side as they cruised to a huge win to force a decider.
But they won’t have as much time with Martin back and on a mission to mess up the Maroons, with Olakau’atu likely to come on at some stage when the tank is empty.
“I’m really excited to pair up with ‘Marto’ in the back row,” Young said, with the Raiders star tasked with shutting down game two hero Sam Walker.
“He’s a world-class player and just really happy for him to be back in this environment. He’s built for Origin and he’s an animal, so I’m excited to be back in here with him.
“I think he just brings a presence. He’s won four competitions for a reason and he’s played at the highest level for many years now and he knows what it takes to win. He just does all the stuff you value as a teammate and to get him back in here fit and firing is exciting for us all.”
People north of the border can’t stand Martin when he’s ripping in for the Blues, but he doesn’t agree with one word they use to describe him.
Strange fit to return for Origin decider | 02:17
“I feel like I’m not much of a grub, but I do enjoy the physical side and the aggression,” he said.
“I feel like that’s how the game’s meant to be played, especially Origin. I really embrace it and look forward to it whenever I get the opportunity to put on the blue, to rip in.
“I’m sure Hudson and I have a similar mindset, and that’s why I love playing with him. So keen to get out there again, and I know we’ll get the job done for the team, me and him.”
The Blues have been written off heading into game three at Suncorp Stadium where they pulled off a stunning victory two years ago, and Young says something similar is brewing in this squad.
“We’re very connected as a team. Everyone’s close mates and that’s important as a team before you play. The camaraderie here in the team is as good as I’ve ever seen,” he said.
— Martin Gabor (NCA NewsWire)