A seventh NSW player looks set to pass on the chance to play for Australia in the Ashes – but it has nothing to do with switching allegiances.

Liam Martin, who would have been one of the first picked for the end-of-season tour with the Kangaroos, has confirmed he is expecting his first child with fiancée Chelsea, and is ready to stay at home for the birth.

Martin had to miss last year’s Pacific Championships because of a shoulder injury, but was one of the back-rowers for Australia in 2023, and also a member of the World Cup-winning squad in 2022.

Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o, Spencer Leniu and most likely Payne Haas will commit to playing for Samoa at the end of the year, while Stefano Utoikamanu, who has also played for Samoa, said he was keen to honour his father’s heritage and represent Tonga.

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.

“We’re due in October – I’m pretty excited – but it means I’ll probably have to pull out of the Ashes,” Martin said.

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“We still don’t know who the coach is, so I haven’t had the chance to speak to anyone about it.

“Given it’s the first baby, I don’t want to miss it. If it was in Australia, I’d definitely play, but given it’s on the other side of the world, Chelsea could divorce me before we’re even married.

“I missed out last year because of injury, which was frustrating. I love pulling on that green and gold jersey, but family comes first, so I made the decision early on.

“You hear the boys with kids speak about life having extra meaning after [a birth], and who you play the game for. It’s been in the back of my mind this year how I’ll need to try and leave a legacy for the family that they can be proud of.”