Wigan Warriors Plot $2M Swoop for Penrith Star Liam Martin in Ambitious Raid on NRL Giants
In what could become one of the boldest transfer pursuits in Super League history, Wigan Warriors are reportedly prepared to splash a massive $2 million AUD in a sensational attempt to prise Liam Martin away from the Penrith Panthers.
The 27-year-old back-row enforcer, regarded as one of the most consistent and damaging forwards in the NRL, is currently under contract with Penrith until the end of the 2027 season. However, sources close to the Warriors suggest the English giants are actively exploring whether a big-money offer and long-term vision could tempt the Australian international to cross hemispheres.
Wigan CEO Kris Radlinski has long admired Martin’s toughness, work ethic, and explosive edge play, and has previously hinted at targeting marquee NRL players to elevate the club’s global competitiveness. According to insiders, Martin is at the top of Wigan’s wish list, and the club is willing to table a multi-year offer worth in excess of $2 million AUD in total—potentially making him one of the highest-paid forwards in Super League history.
“We want world-class athletes, and Liam Martin epitomizes that,” a Wigan source told Rugby League Insider. “He’s the kind of player who can shift a team’s entire dynamic—both defensively and offensively. This is more than a headline grab; it’s a serious statement of ambition.”
While Martin is known to be settled at Penrith—where he has won multiple premierships and established himself as a Kangaroos and NSW Origin mainstay—the lure of becoming a global brand ambassador for Wigan and taking on a new challenge could be intriguing.
Wigan’s pursuit comes on the heels of signing union convert Christian Wade, another high-profile move designed to inject star power into the squad. Pairing Wade’s attacking flair with Martin’s defensive steel could mark a transformative shift for the Warriors, who remain determined to stay ahead of rivals like St Helens and Catalans Dragons in the arms race for elite talent.
The Panthers, for their part, are unlikely to release Martin without a fight. Club sources insist they view the fiery second-rower as a foundational piece for their next premiership push and have no intention of entertaining offers unless a significant transfer fee is involved. That said, Wigan’s financial flexibility and strategic vision could force Penrith into difficult conversations should Martin show interest.
Former players and analysts have already begun debating the potential impact of such a move.
“Liam Martin going to Wigan would be seismic,” said ex-Kangaroos forward Sam Thaiday. “It’s rare to see NRL stars in their prime making the leap, but if Wigan pull this off, it might open the floodgates.”
With the Super League season heating up and recruitment windows beginning to open, all eyes now turn to Martin’s camp and whether he will consider a switch that could redefine both his career and the cross-code rivalry between the NRL and Super League.
For now, Penrith remain calm—but Wigan’s $2 million war chest has certainly stirred the waters.
