Former NSW coach Phil Gould says NSW back-rower Liam Martin should “unleash” his impact earlier in the State of Origin decider. Across reports, Gould argues that Martin’s performance needs to be front-loaded rather than delayed until later in the match. The recommendation centres on Martin taking more initiative from the outset, with the expectation that his early effort will shape NSW’s forward work and influence the game’s momentum. All three outlets present the same core message from Gould: Martin is the player he wants to see working at a higher intensity from the beginning, so the Blues can apply pressure sooner in the contest. The articles frame Gould’s comments as guidance for how NSW can maximise Martin’s strengths in the decisive match, rather than as a dispute about selection or tactics beyond his specific call to begin strongly. The reports do not add conflicting details about the broader team strategy or other players’ roles.