Liam Martin is one of the NRL's most prolific pests but the Penrith second-rower admits he'll have his work cut out rattling ex-teammate Kurt Capewell in the grand final.
Martin and Capewell got to know each other in 2020, when the latter joined the Panthers for a season of club-wide resurgence.
They lined up in the losing grand final side that year and were the starting second-row pairing for the Panthers' 2021 premiership victory.
"I loved having 'Capey' here," Martin told AAP.
"He was a great bloke and a great mentor. He certainly taught me a lot."
After the 2021 triumph, the master and apprentice took separate paths.
Brisbane lured Capewell home to Queensland as they continued to rebuild, while Martin stuck with Penrith, where he has blossomed into one of the NRL's toughest back-rowers.
The 26-year-old has become just as renowned for his ability to niggle at opposition players off the ball.
Martin first developed his reputation as a nuisance in mid-2021, when - on his Origin debut - he was tasked with rattling Queensland's Cameron Munster.
More recently, Martin found success targeting Nick Meaney as the Melbourne fullback struggled to find his mojo in Penrith's preliminary-final win.
Playing on the right edge, Martin will line up directly against Brisbane's left second-rower Capewell in Sunday's grand final.
It will be the fourth time the pair have faced off at club level since Capewell left the Panthers.
Previous experience has taught Martin he may struggle to unnerve the veteran Bronco.
"He sort of takes (the niggling) like water off a duck's back," Martin said.
"He doesn't really care too much.
"It's sort of funny, he'll have a laugh at you if you try and get into him too much."
The potential lack of reaction won't stop Martin from trying, though.
"I'll try and get into him, he'll be getting into me. We'll just be going at it," he said.
"The last few years we've come up against each other and it's always been a great battle. We both look forward to it."
A mutual respect will balance out the banter.
"He's a great player," Martin said of Capewell.
"He doesn't stop. He's an effort player that goes for 80 minutes.
"If you need a teammate to do something, he puts his hand up. I've got a lot of admiration and respect for him."
