But after another powerful showing in the Penrith Panthers' win over South Sydney on Sunday, Dubbo may now be the place where the 24-year-old secured himself a NSW Blues jersey.

The West Wyalong product got through a mountain of work again at Apex Oval as he and his fellow Panthers forwards dominated the South Sydney Rabbitohs pack on the way to recording a crushing 56-12 victory.

Martin was already one of the consistent standouts for the Panthers this season but Sunday was something new, as he was forced to start at prop rather than his regular back-row spot.

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An injury to Moses Leota forced Martin to move up front and he did so in style, making 128m in total with 60 of those coming post-contact.

"Ivan told me during the week Moses was touch and go with his shoulder. I trained during the week in the front-row and found my groove there and I actually enjoyed it, being in the middle with 'Fish' (James Fisher-Harris," Martin said.

Martin has been tipped by some within the game as an Origin bolter this year.

His chances have been boosted by the news Victor Radley will miss game one of the series this year through suspension while Roosters teammate Angus Crichton is also in doubt ahead of his case being heard at the judiciary on Tuesday night.

"I've seen it pop up occasionally but I don't try and buy into it too much," he said of his name in an Origin squad.

"If it happens it happens but I'm just more worried about putting together games for the Panthers at the moment.

"I'd feel up to it if I was given the opportunity. It's every kid's dream so if I was given my opportunity I'd take it with both hands. But we'll see what happens."

While much of the focus in the lead-up was on Dubbo juniors Isaah Yeo and Matt Burton, the weekend was also a special one for Martin.

The former Temora Dragons player is a proud bush footy product and savoured the chance to again connect with fans in a regional area.

It was also a welcome return to Apex Oval, where he had previously played at during his school footy days while trips to Dubbo for school basketball matches were also remembered.

"It was a bit of a punish for school trips. It was 5am starts to be up here at 8am," he laughed.

"I love it. No matter where you go in the country, whether it's Dubbo or Bathurst, it's all feels the same.

"It's so good getting out here in the community. I'd love to do it more often."

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