By Christian Nicolussi
Brad Fittler this week pulled out of the race to replace Mal Meninga as Kangaroos coach, saying he wanted to focus on his media commitments with Channel Nine. There has been a push from senior Maroons for Cameron Smith to take over from Meninga, who relinquished the post once he took over as head coach of the new Perth Bears franchise.
Kevin Walters and even Wayne Bennett, who have both worked as representative coaches, remain in the mix.
Martin said he never wanted to pass up an opportunity to play Test football, but did not want to be stranded on the other side of the world when his first child was born.
鈥淲e鈥檙e due in October 鈥 I鈥檓 pretty excited 鈥 but it means I鈥檒l probably have to pull out of the Ashes,鈥 Martin said.