Tommy Martyn

Summary

Thomas Martyn (born 4 June 1971) is a former Ireland international rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, and coached in the 2000s. He played at representative level for Ireland, and at club level for Oldham (Heritage № 954), St. Helens (Heritage № 1042) in the Championship, and, subsequently, Super League and Leigh, as a stand-off. Martyn was known for his very good passing ability and vision. He was able to enjoy a successful rugby career despite undergoing two knee reconstructions.[3]

Tommy Martyn
Personal information
Full nameThomas Martyn
Born (1971-06-04) 4 June 1971 (age 52)
Leigh, Lancashire, England
Playing information
PositionStand-off
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1989–92 Oldham 78 36 85 13 327
1992–03 St Helens 211 127 105 25 743
2003–04 Leigh Centurions 36 26 3 4 114
Total 325 189 193 42 1184
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1997–00 Ireland 8 5 8 1 22
Coaching information
Club
Years Team Gms W D L W%
2005 Leigh Centurions
Source: [1][2]
As of 18 September 2020

Background edit

Martyn was born in Leigh, Lancashire, England.

Playing career edit

The son of the rugby league footballer Tommy Martyn Sr, and the nephew of the Leigh and Great Britain rugby league footballer Mick Martyn,[4] Martyn played for St Helens from the interchange bench in their 1996 Challenge Cup Final victory over Bradford Bulls.[5] Tommy Martyn, Jr. teamed up with Bobbie Goulding in the halves for the 1997 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. His two tries and try-saving ankle tap tackle on Danny Peacock helped St. Helens to victory and earned him the Lance Todd Trophy as man-of-the-match.[6] Martyn played for St. Helens at scrum half back in their 1999 Super League Grand Final victory over Bradford Bulls.

Having won the 1999 Super League Grand Final, St. Helens contested in the 2000 World Club Challenge against National Rugby League Premiers Melbourne, with Martyn playing as a stand-off half back in the loss. He also played for St. Helens at stand-off half back in their 2000 Super League Grand Final victory over Wigan. In 2000, Martyn's abilities were rewarded when he was selected to represent Ireland in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup were he represented the Wolfhounds at Stand-off defeating Samoa and Scotland in the pool stages and losing to England 26-16 in the quarter finals where he scored a try and kicked 2 goals.

As Super League V champions, St. Helens played against 2000 NRL Premiers, Brisbane in the 2001 World Club Challenge. Martyn played at stand-off half back in St. Helens' victory.

Having won Super League VI, St Helens contested the 2003 World Club Challenge against 2002 NRL Premiers, Sydney Roosters. Martyn played at scrum half back in St. Helens' 38-0 loss.

Post playing edit

In 2008 he joined the coaching staff of Super League side Warrington, to act as a kicking coach for the academy side.[7]

In December 2009 he joined Widnes in a similar role.[8]

Martyn's son Shay Martyn is a professional rugby league footballer who plays for St Helens in the Betfred Super League.

References edit

  1. ^ RL Record Keepers' Club
  2. ^ Statistics at rugbyleagueproject.org
  3. ^ "Martyn quits Saints for Leigh". BBC News. 21 June 2003. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
  4. ^ "Leigh RLFC Past Players Association dinner". thisislancashire.co.uk. 6 August 2009. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
  5. ^ "steveprescottfoundation.co.uk". Steve Prescott Stats. Steve Prescott Foundation. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
  6. ^ Kelner, Simon (4 May 1997). "Saints go shining through the hype". The Independent. London: independent.co.uk. Retrieved 5 December 2009.
  7. ^ "Martyn to add Wolves bite". Sky Sports. 10 April 2008. Retrieved 10 April 2008.
  8. ^ "Martyn kicks in". Runcorn and Widnes World. 11 December 2009. Retrieved 3 August 2012.[dead link]
Sporting positions
Preceded by
Darren Abram
2004-2005
Coach
 
Leigh Centurions

2005
Succeeded by

External links edit

  • Statistics at saints.org.uk
  • Ireland 2000 RLWC squad Archived 16 December 2000 at the Wayback Machine