Gyms and sport science may have been thin on the ground in Temora but with an incredible work ethic and supportive teacher for a mum, Liam Martin found success against the odds.

On Sunday the former dux of West Wyalong High School will turn out in his fifth NRL grand final for the Penrith Panthers, where he’ll be eyeing off a fourth consecutive premiership.

It continues an incredible trajectory for the humble 27-year-old who has also enjoyed State of Origin success and national representation.

Mum Maxine, a 30-year veteran at West Wyalong High School, nurtured Liam’s talent in and out of school. But it wasn’t exactly written in the stars that he’d go on to such heights.

“Being a single mum, I just didn’t have the resources. The tree branches were his chin-up bar and empty kegs from the hotel were his weights,” Ms Martin said of Liam’s early days training for the sport.

“But there are a whole range of things you can do without expense if you’re willing to put in the effort.”

It’s a common theme in the life of the Martins, where effort trumps everything.

“Liam will talk about the fact he never got picked for rep sides until very late - 15 I think it was,” Ms Martin said.

“His brother’s motto was ‘hard work beats talent’ and it’s true. If you work hard, opportunities tend to open up for you.”

A keen student, Liam also loved his footy, but it was a Year 10 exchange with Nepean Rotary that kickstarted his football career.

Billeted with Hayden Simmons, the brother of Panthers rugby league great Royce, Liam caught the eye of the club’s scouts and was ultimately offered a train and trial contract.

“He worked incredibly hard. I was really fortunate with such a supportive school and staff,” Ms Martin said.

Liam would go on to be dux of the school and started an Advanced Science degree at UNSW.

But after a year he put his studies on ice to concentrate on his burgeoning rugby league career.

Maxine hopes he’ll get back to it one day, but in the meantime is enjoying the incredible ride with her son and another grand final appearance – this time against the Melbourne Storm.

“I often pinch myself. I’m not taking anything for granted but we have been living in a very fortunate period with the Penrith boys. They are just hard workers,” she said.

“This has been totally unexpected. If it happens to someone like Liam it can happen to anyone who is out there and willing to dream big.”

The NRL grand final will feature no fewer than seven graduates from NSW public schools including the Panthers’ Dylan Edwards (Dorrigo High School), Brian To’o (Rooty Hill Public School), Liam Martin (West Wyalong High School), Lindsay Smith (Westfields Sports High School), Liam Henry (Blayney High School) and the Storm’s Josh King (Singleton High School) and Tyran Wishart (Kiama High School).