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Liam Martin turns down Kangaroos opportunity for fiancee as likely 23-man squad revealed
Panthers star Liam Martin has foregone the opportunity to represent his country in the upcoming Ashes series for his partner.
Ben Talintyre
October 2, 2025 – 9:15PM
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codesports.com.au
Best man Tedesco out of Ashes tour
NRL: James Tedesco has withdrawn from contention for the Kangaroos’ Ashes tour of England to take on best man duties at his…
Panthers star Liam Martin has been confirmed as unavailable for the Kangaroos’ upcoming Ashes series, opting to stay home with his fiancee as she prepares for the birth of their first child.
SMH reported the likely 23-man squad on Thursday, with Martin a notable absentee.
The four-time Panthers premiership winner has already represented Australia in seven Test matches and was considered a lock to make Kevin Walters’ team.
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However, on Thursday, it was confirmed that he would join the likes of James Tedesco, Latrell Mitchell, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, and Tom Trbojevic on the list of players unavailable for the upcoming Ashes tour.
The 28-year-old first stated his intention to miss the end-of-season series back in July, saying he planned to put family first, with his fiancee Chelsea due to give birth in the next few weeks.
“We’re due in October – I’m pretty excited – but it means I’ll probably have to pull out of the Ashes,” Martin told SMH in July.
“Given it’s the first baby, I don’t want to miss it. If it were in Australia, I’d definitely play, but given it’s on the other side of the world, Chelsea could divorce me before we’re even married.”
Liam Martin has chosen to stay home with his fiancee who is due to give birth. Image: Instagram/Getty
Martin said despite how much he loves representing his country, ultimately, family comes first.
“I love pulling on that green and gold jersey, but family comes first, so I made the decision early on,” he said.
“You hear the boys with kids speak about life having extra meaning after [having kids], and who you play the game for. It’s been in the back of my mind this year how I’ll need to try and leave a legacy for the family that they can be proud of.”
And his absence was confirmed on Thursday, as the squad was leaked, although it could be subject to late changes if any players suffer injuries in Sunday’s grand final between Brisbane and Melbourne.
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codesports.com.au
James Tedesco out of Kangaroos team
ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys reveals James Tedesco has…
Kangaroos’ rumoured 23-man squad
*Hasn’t represented the Kangaroos before
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Ethan Strange*
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Harry Grant
Blayke Brailey*
Pat Carrigan
Lindsay Collins
Jacob Preston*
Angus Crichton
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