NRL fans are frustrated with Liam Martin for hesitating, costing the Panthers a crucial match.
NRL fans are expressing their frustration with Liam Martin following his decision to pull out of a tackle on Jed Stuart, a moment that proved costly for the Panthers as Nathan Cleary admitted Penrith should not have found themselves in such a precarious position. The match against Canberra in Mudgee culminated in one of the most thrilling golden point finishes in NRL history, with Cleary's field goal attempt striking the post just under two minutes from the end.
The ball rebounded to Raiders winger Stuart, who leaped to secure it. As he descended, Martin was poised to tackle him. However, indecisiveness led Martin to withdraw from his challenge, allowing Stuart to offload the ball to rising star Ethan Strange. Strange then evaded Dylan Edwards and sent the ball back inside to Kaeo Weekes, who scored a decisive try, sealing victory for the Raiders and greatly enhancing their chances of clinching the minor premiership.
The Panthers were left dejected after suffering their second consecutive golden point loss, having also fallen to the Storm the previous week due to Harry Grant's genius play in extra time. Following the match, focus shifted to Martin's critical moment of hesitation on that final play.