Former Ireland international rugby league footballer and coach
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 and St. Helens 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]
Background
Martyn was born in Leigh , Lancashire , England.
Playing career
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 where 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
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 Super League .
References
External links
Leigh Leopards coaches
Formerly Leigh (1878–1995) and Leigh Centurions (1996–2022)