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NSW Blues star Liam Martin has exposed a troll on social media after the backrower was abused online following Queensland's 26-24 win on Wednesday night in game two of the Origin series.
Martin used an Instagram story to share the disgraceful comments, which included being labelled a 'ugly human' and hoping the four-time NRL premiership winner with Penrith 'gets accused of sexual assault.'
The person who posted the vile message - known as Beau - also stated: 'You look like you don't wash your hair. You you [sic] are disgrace to rugby league.'
Martin posted in response: 'Don't be like Beau.'
His Origin teammate Zac Lomax was also reportedly targeted online.
It comes just days after a man, 20, was charged by NSW Police for allegedly sending death threats and abusive messages to Newcastle Knights star James Schiller.
NSW Blues star Liam Martin has exposed a troll on social media after the backrower was abused online following Queensland's 26-24 win on Wednesday night
Martin used an Instagram story (pictured) to share the disgraceful comments, which included being labelled a 'ugly human' and hoping the four-time premiership winner with Penrith 'gets accused of sexual assault'
The person who posted the vile message to Liam Martin - known as Beau - also stated: 'You look like you don't wash your hair. You you [sic] are a disgrace to rugby league'
Schiller, 23, was targeted with a string of vile messages following his team's dramatic comeback win over Manly recently.
The abuse came despite Newcastle pulling off their biggest turnaround in 18 years, recovering from a 16-0 halftime deficit to claim a 26-22 golden point victory at McDonald Jones Stadium on June 5.
On social media, several accounts piled on, labelling Schiller 'one of the worst NRL players I've ever seen,' and claiming he 'wouldn't stand out for Taree Turtles reserve grade.'
But one message crossed the line, and Schiller shared it publicly.
'Count your days c*** I will end your f***ing life,' the message read, sent to his Instagram inbox early in the second half.
Even after the Knights sealed victory, the same account continued to abuse him and added some shocking homophobic comments involving former Queensland Origin star Dane Gagai.
'Doesn't make up for it even though you won. 5 errors, 2 penalties, 1 six again and partridge in a pear tree I hope Dane [Gagai] jams his c*** down your throat and you choke and die.'
Schiller posted screenshots of the messages to his Instagram story, drawing attention to the darker side of fan behaviour at a time when mental health support for young men and athletes is being heavily promoted across the country.
A man, 20, was recently charged over allegedly sending Knights player James Schiller (pictured) death threats
Abuse aimed at young NRL players (pictured) continues to spark debate around online behaviour and athlete mental health support
Knights coach Adam O'Brien said the threats against Schiller were a concern.
'That is worrying,' he said.
'I want to protect them....and for him to go through that over a couple of errors….it's a game of footy.
'He's got a family. That's partly the reason why you do want to protect them.
'I think it's a societal problem, isn't it? It's not just football players who are getting that sort of stuff. 'We need to be able to stop people doing it, change their thought process before doing it.'
Lake Macquarie police have since arrested and charged a man over the matter.
He was charged with use of carriage service to menace, harass or offend.
The man was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in court on July 30.
