The winner of the Clive Churchill Medal always generates conversation during every NRL grand final.
For every undeniable performance like Nathan Cleary's match-winning late cameo against Brisbane in 2023, there is the overlooked star like Andrew Fifita during Cronulla drought-breaking premiership eight years ago.
Who will pick up the medal this year?
Penrith have had a monopoly on the accolade throughout their dynasty with Cleary picking up two medals and Dylan Edwards winning the other during the Panthers' victory over Parramatta.
However, Ryan Papenhuyzen was the last player not in a Penrith jersey to be awarded the medal and could be eyeing a repeat of his 2020 grand final heroics that helped Melbourne to the title.
MORE: Clive Churchill Medal winners - Every recipient of the award in the NRL era
Who won the Clive Churchill Medal? Liam Martin claims Player of the Match award in NRL grand final
Liam Martin produced the best performance of his career to date as Penrith claimed an incredible fourth straight premiership with a 14-6 win over Melbourne.
The backrower set the tone right from the off as he put on a number of bone-rattling hits on Cameron Munster, while also always being the leader in the kick-chase.
The NSW star crossed for a vital four-pointer on the stroke of half time to hand his side the lead for the first time in the match.
It was a lead they would go on to keep, with Martin outjumping Xavier Coates and dishing off the ball for Paul Alamoti to score in the corner.
Martin finished with one try, 88 run metres and 46 tackles.
"This is so surreal," Martin said on the podium.
"I was gone then but the boys helped me to get through it."
